Rapper and US president hopeful, Kayne West, is in strife after naming his new Yeezy Boost sneakers – he makes in collaboration with Adidas – after Muslim religious icons.
The rapper has been accused of “disrespecting Islam” by unveiling his new line – the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Israfil and Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Asriel.
Muslims are now calling for the shoes to be renamed and for a full boycott of Adidas.
Israfil is one of four archangels in Islam. He is usually depicted with a horn, which he will blow on Judgment Day (Qiyamat). On the other hand, Asraiel (taken from Azrael), plays the role as the Angel of Death, who transports the souls of the deceased after their death.
Very disrespectful,” one Twitter user wrote. “Adidas is disrespecting Islam. Israfil is one of the four angels in Islam. Shame on @adidasoriginals and @kanyewest,” while another added: “Dear @Adidas I am gonna STOP buying and using your products if those Kanye West’s newest shoes’ names aren’t changed because it IT DOES NOT RESPECT Islam (sic).”
Another critic accused West and Adidas of “making mockery of Islam (sic)”.
A petition by the Global Muslim community is calling on Adidas to rename the shoes and reads: “It has come to the attention of the Global Muslim community that Adidas has allowed the production of a shoe that is named after an archangel in Islam.
“Until further notice, we request all Muslims to boycott Adidas products, cease all sale of Adidas products by any Muslim owned third party retail shops until Adidas ceases the production of this commodity.”
As of yesterday, the petition had managed to attract 300 signatures.
Neither Adidas or Kayne have publicly commented on the complaint.
