Nike has been targeted by a fatwa, a religious decree issued by Libya's Dar al-Ifta, the country's top religious authority. The ruling claims the iconic Nike swoosh symbol promotes "polytheism" because it is inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. Consequently, the fatwa bans Muslims from purchasing, selling, or wearing clothing bearing the brand's logo.
The religious institution also cited a 2023 finding from its Council for Research and Sharia Studies, which attacked Nike for supporting Israel. The Council had previously called for a boycott of Israel and companies that support the nation.
A fatwa is a formal religious opinion on matters of daily life within Islam. While influential, these decrees are not legally binding.
Libya has historical ties to the worship of the Greek goddess Nike, with excavations in the ancient city of Cyrene uncovering a statue of the goddess. Although Nike does not operate its own stores in Libya, its products are available through other retailers, and counterfeit versions are also common.
This is not the first time the Dar al-Ifta has issued such a ruling. In 2025, the institution issued a similar fatwa against the luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, deeming its four-leaf clover design contradictory to Islamic teachings due to its association with Christian beliefs of luck and fortune. In the past year, Libyan authorities have also imposed restrictions on rap music, theater, and dance, citing concerns that certain performances and lyrics go against Islamic values.
Nike had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the fatwa.