While a new Yeezy release is always cause for celebration, Kanye West’s latest release isn’t sitting well with everyone.
Adidas unveiled two new colourways of the Yeezy 350 V2 this week — ‘Israfil’ and ‘Asrie’. The new shoes are named after the Islamic angels Israfil and Asriel. For those unaware, in Islamic culture, Asriel is the Angel of Death and Israfil is one of the four archangels who signals Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment) with his trumpet.
Some members of the Muslim community have found the names to be offensive, and are requesting Adidas and Kanye West to rename the colourway. Some people have also started petitions.
“Very disrespectful,” one Twitter user wrote. “Adidas is disrespecting Islam. Israfil is one of the four angels in Islam. Shame on @adidasoriginals and @kanyewest”
Another wrote: “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.”
Take a look at some tweets calling out West and the footwear label:
I cannot support ADIDAS as along as you are associated with Kanye West.
He is sick and needs help. Adidas has done nothing to make this situation any better.
Silence is compliance.— jbeckett (@jbecks76) August 17, 2020
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
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. #ShameOnKanyeWest #ShameOnYeezy
— saymyname (@SeptianaTri3) August 23, 2020
Kanye West and Adidas making mockery of Islam….. pic.twitter.com/LDHlJEiQ54
— Abdullah kun (@bin_zeshan) August 23, 2020
Please sign and RT the petition (@kanyewest @adidas #boycottkanye #boycottadidas #islam #israfil):https://t.co/IpZD1Hr4z9
— Reaction Bae (@ReactBae) August 23, 2020
