Libya’s top religious authority rules against wearing Nike clothes

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According to the BBC, Libya's Dar al-Ifta, the country's highest religious authority, has issued a fatwa banning the purchase, sale, and wearing of clothing bearing the Nike logo. The Tripoli-based institution argues that the US sportswear giant is named after the Greek goddess of victory and that its 'swoosh' logo is inspired by her wings, claiming that displaying it promotes symbols associated with polytheism. Furthermore, the religious committee accused Nike of supporting Israel, referencing a November 2023 statement from its Council for Research and Sharia Studies that urged a boycott of Western companies deemed supportive of Israel during the war in Gaza. The fatwa, approved by Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Gharyani, carries significant social influence but is not necessarily a legally enforceable government order. Nike does not operate official stores in Libya, though its products are available through local retailers. Reactions on social media have been mixed.