Libya's Top Religious Authority Issues Ruling Against Wearing Nike Apparel

The short version

Dar al-Ifta, Libya's top Tripoli-based religious authority, issued a fatwa ruling against wearing Nike apparel on November 3-4, 2026.

The ruling argues that the Nike brand name and swoosh logo are tied to the Greek goddess of victory, promoting symbols associated with polytheism.

The fatwa also accuses Nike of supporting Israel, echoing a previous November 5, 2023 statement from the institution's Council for Research and Sharia Studies.

The religious ruling does not carry legal enforceability or state penalties, and Nike does not operate official corporate stores in Libya.

Libya's highest religious authority has issued a formal ruling against wearing Nike clothing, pointing to the brand's mythological namesake and logo while accusing the sportswear giant of supporting Israel. BBC, AOL, and K24 Digital reported the fatwa, which was released by the Tripoli-based Dar al-Ifta and approved by Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Gharyani between November 3 and November 4, 2026.

While the religious decree carries considerable social influence in parts of the country, it is not a legally enforceable government order. The text of the ruling does not establish a formal state ban on Nike products or specify penalties for individuals who choose to buy or wear them.

What are the specific arguments in the ruling?

The ruling states that Nike was named after the Greek goddess of victory and asserts that its swoosh logo was inspired by her wings. According to the decision issued by Dar al-Ifta, displaying the logo amounts to promoting symbols associated with polytheism, or the worship of more than one god. The text also accuses Nike of supporting Israel, building upon a previous November 5, 2023 statement by the institution's Council for Research and Sharia Studies that urged Muslims to boycott Western companies considered supportive of Israel during the war in Gaza.

How does this fit into Libya's broader religious rulings?

This decision follows a pattern of similar religious opinions issued by Libyan authorities regarding commercial symbols and cultural life. Last year, Dar al-Ifta ruled against wearing jewelry and watches bearing the logo of French luxury jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. That ruling targeted the brand's four-leaf clover design, arguing it was associated with Christian beliefs and the pursuit of good luck. In 2025, authorities in eastern Libya announced restrictions on rap music, theatre, and dance performances citing public morals and Islamic values—restrictions that were later extended to western Libya.

What is Nike's commercial presence in Libya?

Nike does not operate an official corporate store inside Libya. However, authentic Nike-branded products remain available to consumers through local independent sportswear retailers. Additionally, counterfeit versions of popular sportswear brands, including Nike and Adidas, are widely sold in local markets throughout Libya and across North Africa. The BBC has contacted Nike for comment on the ruling, though an official corporate response remains pending.

What is the broader context in Libya?

Libya remains politically divided, operating with rival authorities and institutions across the east and west following years of conflict that followed the 2011 toppling of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. The latest ruling arrives amid wider ongoing debates regarding the rise of religious conservatism in Libyan public life.

Frequently asked questions

Does the fatwa make it illegal to wear Nike in Libya?

No. While Dar al-Ifta's religious rulings carry social influence, the fatwa is not a government order or legally enforceable state ban, and it specifies no penalties for wearing Nike products.

Where can people buy Nike products in Libya if there are no official stores?

Nike does not operate an official store in the country, but Nike-branded items are sold by local sportswear retailers alongside counterfeit goods found in markets across North Africa.