Libya's top religious authority rules against wearing Nike clothing
Libya's highest religious body, Dar al-Ifta, has issued a fatwa barring Muslims from buying, selling or wearing clothes with the Nike logo. It is not a state ban and sets no penalties.
Dar al-Ifta, Libya's highest religious authority, based in the capital Tripoli, has issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from buying, selling or wearing clothing that carries the logo of US sportswear maker Nike. A fatwa is a religious opinion on a matter of Islamic law; this one was approved by Libya's Grand Mufti, Sadiq al-Gharyani. The ruling has drawn attention because it targets one of the world's best-known sportswear brands.
The reasoning
The document says the company takes its name from the Greek goddess of victory and that its swoosh logo was inspired by her wings. In the authority's view, wearing clothes with the emblem amounts to promoting symbols associated with polytheism, the worship of more than one god. It also notes that Libya is home to the ancient Greek city of Cyrene, whose archaeological remains include a statue of the goddess.
The committee also accused Nike of supporting Israel and called for a boycott of companies that back the country. It cited a 5 November 2023 statement from its Council for Research and Sharia Studies urging Muslims to boycott Western firms it regards as supportive of Israel during the war in Gaza. The BBC has asked Nike for comment.
Impact and background
Libya is politically divided, with rival authorities operating in the east and west after years of conflict following the 2011 toppling of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. Dar al-Ifta's rulings can carry considerable social influence, but they are not necessarily government orders or legally enforceable. The new fatwa does not announce a state ban on Nike products or specify penalties for those who keep buying or wearing them.
Last year the body ruled against wearing jewellery and watches bearing the logo of French luxury jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels, arguing that its four-leaf clover design was linked to Christian beliefs and the pursuit of good luck.
Reactions on social media were mixed: some users welcomed the ruling, while others questioned its significance, calling it ironic or a distraction from more pressing issues. The decision comes amid wider debate over rising religious conservatism in Libyan public life. In 2025, authorities in eastern Libya announced restrictions on rap music, theatre and dance performances, later extended to the west.
Nike has no official store in Libya, though its products are sold through local sportswear retailers.
