Muslims petition Nike to recall ‘offensive’ Air Max sneaker

Thousands of people have signed a petition to recall a Nike shoe because a printed design resembles the Arabic word for God. The Nike Air Max 270 sparked criticism online after it was found within the Air Max branding on the bottom of the shoe was a script that resembles the word Allah in Arabic. […]

Thousands of people have signed a petition to recall a Nike shoe because a printed design resembles the Arabic word for God.

The Nike Air Max 270 sparked criticism online after it was found within the Air Max branding on the bottom of the shoe was a script that resembles the word Allah in Arabic.

More than 14,000 people signed a Change.org petition, created two weeks ago by Saiqa Noreen, calling for the company to recall the shoe.

The petition stated it is offensive to Muslims because the word Allah would be stepped on, kicked and could become soiled with mud and filth.

“It is outrageous and appalling of Nike to allow the name of God on a shoe. This is disrespectful and extremely offensive to Muslim’s and insulting to Islam. Islam teaches compassion, kindness and fairness towards all,” Noreen said on the petition.

The company responded saying it is looking into the matter and emphasized any perceived meaning of the Air Max logo is unintentional.

“Nike respects all religions and we take concerns of this nature seriously,” Nike told the Today talk show on the NBC network. (Anadolu Agency)