Libya's Dar al-Ifta Issues Fatwa Against Buying, Selling and Wearing Nike Products Published: November 5, 2026 Category: Islamic World | Africa | Islamic Affairs By: Islam Global News Editorial Desk Libya's highest religious authority, Dar al-Ifta, has issued a fatwa declaring that Muslims should not buy, sell or wear products carrying the Nike brand, citing concerns about the company's name, logo and alleged links to Israel. The religious ruling, numbered 6697, was approved by Libya's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Sadiq al-Gharyani, and has attracted international attention. The decision was reported by Libyan media outlets in early November 2026. Why Has Nike Become the Subject of a Fatwa? According to Dar al-Ifta's religious committee, the name Nike originates from ancient Greek mythology, where Nike was the goddess of victory. The committee also argued that the company's famous Swoosh logo was inspired by the wings of the Greek goddess. The religious authority considers displaying these symbols on clothing and other products to be promoting imagery associated with polytheism, which is prohibited under Islamic teachings. Based on this interpretation, the committee called on Muslims to stop purchasing, selling and wearing Nike-branded products. Religious Authority Also Raises Allegations Concerning Israel The fatwa also accused Nike of supporting Israel and referred to an earlier statement issued by Dar al-Ifta's Council for Research and Sharia Studies on November 5, 2023. That earlier statement called for boycotting companies considered by the council to support Israel during the Gaza conflict. However, the latest ruling did not provide specific independently verified evidence establishing Nike's alleged support for Israel. The allegation should therefore be understood as the religious authority's stated position rather than an independently established corporate finding. Does the Fatwa Mean Nike Is Legally Banned in Libya? An important distinction exists between a religious fatwa and a government-issued legal prohibition. Dar al-Ifta is an influential religious institution in Libya, and its rulings can carry considerable social and religious influence. However, the latest fatwa does not constitute a nationwide government ban on Nike products. It also does not announce legal penalties for retailers or individuals who continue to purchase or wear the brand. Nike products remain available through local sportswear retailers in Libya. Previous Fatwa Targeted Van Cleef & Arpels This is not the first time Libya's religious authority has issued a ruling concerning an international brand. In November 2025, Dar al-Ifta also issued a ruling concerning jewellery and watches featuring the four-leaf clover design associated with French luxury jewellery company Van Cleef & Arpels. The religious committee questioned the symbolism of the design, particularly its associations with luck and beliefs it considered incompatible with Islamic teachings. The latest Nike ruling follows a similar approach, focusing on the religious interpretation of commercial symbols. Mixed Reactions to the Decision The ruling has generated discussion among Libyans and international observers. Some have welcomed the decision as an effort to uphold Islamic religious principles and encourage consumer boycotts. Others have questioned the reasoning behind the ruling and debated whether brand symbolism should determine whether a product is permissible to purchase or wear. The decision has also renewed discussions about the relationship between religious guidance, international businesses and consumer choices in Muslim-majority societies. What Happens Next? The fatwa is expected to remain a subject of discussion among religious scholars, consumers and businesses. No nationwide legal enforcement measure or commercial prohibition has been announced by the Libyan government in connection with the ruling. Islam Global News will continue monitoring developments concerning Islamic religious rulings, consumer boycotts and the relationship between global brands and Muslim communities.