Nike Faces Religious Backlash as Libya’s Grand Mufti Bans Muslims From Buying, Wearing Products

Libya’s highest Islamic religious authority has issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from buying, selling or wearing Nike products, accusing the American sportswear company of promoting symbols associated with polytheism and supporting Israel.

The religious ruling, issued by Dar al-Ifta and approved by Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Sadiq al-Gharyani, has called on Muslims to avoid the global sportswear brand, citing concerns over the origins of its name, its iconic logo and the company’s alleged links to Israel.

The decision has drawn attention to the influence of religious authorities on consumer choices and the growing calls for boycotts of international companies over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to reports, the ruling, identified as Fatwa No. 6697, followed an inquiry seeking clarification on whether Muslims could wear clothing bearing the Nike name and logo.

In its response, the religious authority argued that the name Nike originated from the ancient Greek goddess of victory, while the company’s famous swoosh logo was inspired by the wings of the mythological figure.

The institution maintained that displaying the brand’s name and logo amounted to promoting symbols associated with the worship of multiple gods, which it considers incompatible with Islamic teachings.

It consequently declared the purchase, sale and wearing of Nike-branded products religiously impermissible, urging Muslims to avoid the company.

Dar al-Ifta also accused Nike of supporting Israel, linking its latest position to the wider campaign encouraging Muslims to boycott companies alleged to have connections with or support for Israel.

The authority referred to an earlier position adopted by its Council for Research and Sharia Studies on November 5, 2023, which called on Muslims to boycott Western companies considered supportive of Israel during the war in Gaza.

The council had urged Muslims to avoid purchasing non-essential products from companies identified as supporting Israel, particularly luxury goods and other items considered unnecessary.

The latest ruling therefore combines religious objections to Nike’s branding with the institution’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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However, the fatwa should not be confused with a government-imposed ban on Nike products in Libya. It represents a religious ruling by Dar al-Ifta and does not, by itself, establish a legally enforceable prohibition or specify criminal penalties for consumers and retailers.

Although Dar al-Ifta wields considerable religious influence in the country, its religious opinions are distinct from government regulations.

The latest decision is also not the first time the institution has raised religious objections to the branding of an international luxury company.

Dar al-Ifta previously issued a ruling against wearing jewellery and watches bearing the four-leaf clover design associated with French luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels.

The institution argued that the design was connected with beliefs and practices it considered inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

The latest development comes amid wider debates over religious conservatism, consumer boycotts and the influence of Islamic authorities on public life in Libya.

It also reflects the continuing international controversy surrounding companies accused by activists and campaign groups of maintaining business relationships or taking positions perceived to support Israel.

Nike, one of the world’s biggest sportswear manufacturers, is known for its footwear, clothing and sporting equipment, with its swoosh logo recognised internationally.

The implications of the fatwa for Nike’s business activities and retail market in Libya remain unclear.