Nike banned for religious reasons. It's about the famous logo

Dar al-Ifta (the name can be translated as "house of fatwa") is a religious and legal institution based in Tripoli in western Libya, dealing with the interpretation of Sharia law and the issuance of fatwas (binding or advisory religious opinions and rulings).

The latest ruling issued by this institution stated that the name of the American sportswear giant comes from the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and the famous logo, the so-called swoosh, was inspired by her wings. Libya's highest religious authority has said that wearing clothes with the logo is tantamount to promoting symbols related to polytheism or the worship of more than one god.

The religious committee also accused Nike of supporting Israel and called for a boycott of companies that support the country.

Dar al-Ifta referred to a statement issued by the Shariah Research and Studies Council on November 5, 2023, which called on Muslims to boycott Western companies deemed to be supporting Israel during the Gaza war.

Mixed reactions from Libyans

This ruling – a fatwa – is a religious opinion on the issue of Islamic law. It was approved by the Grand Mufti of Libya, Sadiq al-Gharyani. Although religious ordinances can have a significant social impact, they are not formally government orders nor are they legally enforceable, the BBC said.

Therefore, the latest fatwa does not announce a state ban on the sale of Nike products or specify penalties for people who continue to buy or wear them.

Reactions on social media were mixed, with some welcoming the ruling, while others questioned its significance, stressing that it was a distraction from society's more pressing issues.

Nike brand popular in North Africa

Nike does not have any company store in Libya, but the brand's products can be purchased at local sportswear retailers. Moreover, as the BBC notes, sportswear brands such as Nike and Adidas are very popular throughout North Africa.

In Libya, as in other countries in the region, counterfeits of these brands are also sold on local markets.

Let us add that last year a Libyan religious court banned Muslims from wearing jewelry and watches with the logo of the luxury French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. Why? Well, the four-leaf clover pattern is associated with Christianity and the desire to ensure happiness - which is said to be contrary to the teachings of Islam.