American rapper and fashion designer, Kanye West often makes headlines and is seen in the news. This time the US musician is under fire for naming two of his new Yeezy trainers after Islamic angels. Kanye West created and launched his brand back in 2009 in collaboration with Adidas and his trainers have been flying off the racks each time a new collection is launched.
The two new trainers in question, have been named, “Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Israfil” and “Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Asriel.” Israfil is what Muslims believe to be the angel who blows into the trumpet to mark the end of the world and the beginning of judgement day. Asriel on the other hand is the angel of death. Once the names of the new release was announced, Muslims were left enraged and a number of people took to social media to express their rage.
Since the release, a petition has also started to boycott the new line of sneakers. It is also pertinent to note that this is not the first time religion has been used as inspiration for a sneaker colourway and netizens are unanimous in their statement that religion should be left out of shoe designs. An online petition states, “Having the names of angels, which we rever highly, on a shoe which is used to walk the street is a huge form of disrespect in all Muslim communities.” Both Kanye West and Adidas are yet to make a statement on the matter. While the Israfil model is already sold out online, the Asriel model is to be released next month.
Here is just some of what netizens and the Muslim comminity had to say:
“I’d rather boycott Adidas than see them disrespect Islam,” one user wrote.
I’d rather boycott Adidas than see them disrespect Islam.
— Suhagulzar (@suhagulzar) August 24, 2020
“Please change the name and stop disrespecting our religion. Stop using us for your business needs,’ wrote another.
Please change the name and stop disrespecting our religion! Stop using us for your business needs!
— madina ? | rewatching aos?? (@MaryXDianaArt1) August 24, 2020
“Very disrespectful. Adidas is disrespecting Islam. Israfil is one of the four angels in Islam. Shame on Adidas, Kanye West.
Very disrespectful. Adidas is disrespecting Islam. Israfil is one of the four angels in Islam. Shame on @adidasoriginals and @kanyewest
— Tariqul Islam Jewel (@TariqulJewel) August 22, 2020
Here are some more reactions to the new line:
A very disrespectful act. You want to sell products on inciting hatred. Shame on adidas
— Jaffar Nasir (@DrJaffarNasir) August 19, 2020
Cant you use a different name? Do you need to use the name of an extremely important angel of islam? The angel who blows in the horn to start judgement day?!
— Hobby-Rantnerin (@letmerant3) August 20, 2020
Change the name @kanyewest @adidasoriginals it's actually very offensive to the Muslim community, that's the name of our angels, pls change the names
— Sult (@sultisamazing) August 20, 2020
@adidasoriginals You Should Think Before Naming Your Shoes, Israfil Is The Name Of An Angel In Islam,
Before You Face Problems,
Make Sure To Understand— Meer Faizan Mir (@MeerFaizanMir1) August 22, 2020
http://thebrownidentity.com/2020/08/24/metoo-pioneer-rose-mcgowan-says-movement-was-used-for-fame-and-jealousy/
Change the name, this is beyond offensive and I hope Muslims boycott this brand!
— Bellahay (@BellzGaia) August 23, 2020
You guys really need to sort this out. Otherwise I'm done with #Yeezy I didn't even purchase this one, its disrespectful, and you guys need to hang your head in shame. @kanyewest #YEEZYBOOST350V2 #notoyeezy #adidas
— IMRANO © ? (@1mrano) August 24, 2020