American musician and fashion designer Kanye West has been widely criticized on social media for ‘making a mockery’ of Islam after naming his new £180 trainers after the Islamic angels of judgement and death.
Kanye West created his brand in 2009 in partnership with Adidas, named the pairs ‘Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Israfil’ and ‘Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Asriel.’ The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Israfil is already being provided by Adidas, while the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Asriel is expected to be released next month.
This has shocked the wider Muslim community, as Israfil is the angel who blows the trumpet to mark the start of the day of judgment, while Asriel, generally spelt as Azrael, is the angel of demise. Furious Muslims say Kanye West’s new line of Adidas trainers is offensive to Islam.
Muslims on social media have expressed their shock at the artist and sports company, condemning them of making an ‘extremely hurtful insult’ for the naming which they ‘must make recompenses for’.
“It is not acceptable to make a mockery out of the beliefs of others. Even if it were to be a mistake, it would be considered extremely heedless to allow such a blunder,” writes an angry shopper on Twitter.
“@kanyewest words fail to describe your “thought process” but I am appalled at @adidas for not doing its due diligence & naming Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Israfil & Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Asriel – names of angels in Islam. #YEEZYBOOST350V2 #Disgraceful #adidasapologize,” Tweets Zain Qureshi.
