Libya’s Dar al-Ifta, the country’s leading religious institution based in Tripoli, has issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from purchasing, selling, or wearing items displaying the Nike logo. The ruling argues that the sportswear company was named after Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, with the brand’s distinctive swoosh logo allegedly inspired by the deity’s wings. Officials contended that displaying such imagery constitutes promotion of polytheistic symbols, which they characterized as contrary to Islamic monotheistic principles.
The religious committee also incorporated geopolitical considerations into its decision, accusing Nike of supporting Israel and calling for a broader boycott of Western corporations deemed sympathetic to Israeli interests. This aspect of the ruling referenced a previous statement issued by the Dar al-Ifta’s Council for Research and Sharia Studies on 5 November 2023, which had urged Muslim consumers to boycott certain Western companies during the conflict in Gaza.
The fatwa received approval from Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sadiq al-Gharyani, elevating its religious authority within the country. While such rulings can influence public behavior and carry significant social weight, they do not constitute enforceable government law or necessarily result in official state penalties. The Dar al-Ifta previously issued comparable religious determinations against other brands, including a 2025 ruling against French luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels.
Libya’s political landscape remains fragmented following decades of instability, with competing authorities operating in eastern and western regions. The latest ruling reflects broader trends of increasing religious conservatism in Libyan public life, including restrictions on entertainment forms such as rap music, theatre, and dance performances that authorities say conflict with Islamic values. Public reaction to the Nike fatwa has been mixed, with some citizens supporting the measure while others questioned its practical significance.
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