Libya religious authority bans Nike clothing over Greek goddess connection
The Tripoli-based Dar al-Ifta issued a fatwa prohibiting the use of the sportswear brand due to its name and logo.
The Dar al-Ifta, Libya's highest religious authority, has issued a ruling banning Muslims from wearing, selling, or purchasing clothing featuring the Nike logo, according to BBC News. The Tripoli-based institution stated that the US company was named after the Greek goddess of victory and that the swoosh logo was inspired by her wings.
The religious committee argued that displaying the logo promotes symbols linked to polytheism. The ruling, which is a fatwa, was approved by Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Gharyani.
The institution also accused Nike of supporting Israel. This follows a statement from its Council for Research and Sharia Studies on 5 November 2023, which urged Muslims to boycott Western companies deemed supportive of Israel during the Gaza war.
While the Dar al-Ifta is an influential institution, its rulings are not necessarily government orders or legally enforceable. The latest fatwa does not announce a state ban or specify penalties for those who continue to use the products.
Nike does not have an official store in Libya, though its branded items are sold through local retailers. The ruling comes amid discussions regarding rising religious conservatism in the country, following 2025 restrictions in eastern Libya on theatre, dance, and rap music.