Libya’s Fatwa House has issued a religious fatwa ruling that wearing clothing bearing the Nike logo is “impermissible under Islamic law,” arguing that the brand’s name and logo symbolize polytheism and that the company supports Israel.
In response to a question about the permissibility of wearing Nike clothing, the Fatwa House said the word “Nike” is Greek for “goddess of victory,” noting that the company acknowledges its logo is a curved design inspired by the wings of the goddess of victory in Greek mythology.
The religious authority said purchasing clothing bearing the logo for the purpose of wearing and displaying it amounts to promoting symbols associated with polytheism, which it considers prohibited under Islamic law.
It also described Nike as a company supporting Israel, stressing the obligation to boycott companies that provide such support. It cited a November 5, 2023, statement by its Council for Sharia Research and Studies calling for a boycott of countries and companies supporting Zionism in its offensive against Gaza.
The fatwa emphasized that Muslims must refrain from wearing Nike-branded clothing or buying and selling its products, describing the boycott as an expression of pride in their religion and solidarity with fellow Muslims.