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Libya’s highest religious authority, the Dar al-Ifta, has issued a ruling banning Muslims from buying, selling or wearing clothing bearing the Nike logo. The Tripoli-based institution stated that the US sportswear giant was named after the Greek goddess of victory and that its famous swoosh logo was inspired by her wings.
Religious and Political Objections
The committee argued that displaying the logo promoted symbols associated with polytheism, or the worship of more than one god. Libya contains the ancient Greek city of Cyrene, where archaeological remains feature a statue of the Greek goddess of the same name.
In addition to the mythological concerns, the religious committee accused Nike of supporting Israel and urged a boycott of companies backing the country. The directive pointed to a statement from its Council for Research and Sharia Studies released on 5 November 2023, which called on Muslims to boycott Western companies deemed supportive of Israel during the war in Gaza.
The fatwa, representing a religious opinion on Islamic law, was approved by Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sadiq al-Gharyani. As reported by BBC News, the BBC has contacted Nike for comment regarding the ruling.
Context and Enforcement
The Dar al-Ifta holds considerable social influence in western Libya, though its rulings do not function as government orders or legally enforceable laws. Libya remains politically divided with rival authorities operating in the east and west following the 2011 toppling of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Last year, the institution issued a ruling against wearing jewellery and watches featuring the logo of French luxury house Van Cleef & Arpels. It argued that the four-leaf clover design conflicted with Islamic teachings due to its association with Christian beliefs and good luck.
The latest directive does not impose a state ban on Nike products or outline penalties for individuals who continue to purchase or wear them. Social media responses to the fatwa were mixed, with some users supporting the decision while others questioned its importance or viewed it as a distraction from more critical problems.
Wider Conservatism and Market Presence
The ruling coincides with broader discussions concerning growing religious conservatism in Libyan public life. Authorities in eastern Libya announced restrictions on rap music, theatre, and dance performances in 2025 over concerns that certain lyrics and acts violated public morals and Islamic values, and these measures later expanded to western Libya.
While the Dar al-Ifta has previously issued religious rulings against music, there is no direct evidence linking it to the performance restrictions. Although Nike does not operate any official stores in Libya, products bearing the brand remain available through local sportswear retailers, and counterfeit versions are widely sold in local markets alongside other popular brands like Adidas.
