Investigating Allegations That the Name “Allah” Is Printed on “Hikkaduwa” Brand Footwear

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A claim guaranteed to inflame communal tensions has been spreading in Sri Lankan feeds: that sandals sold under the local “Hikkaduwa” brand are printed with the name “Allah,” with worshippers effectively treading on it. In a country where religious rumours can turn dangerous fast, we checked whether the design really is what the posts say. Here is what we found.

Social Media Posts

Posts circulating on Facebook and other platforms alleged that footwear marketed under the “Hikkaduwa” brand bears the name “Allah.”

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Fact-Check

To verify whether the footwear truly bears the word “Allah,” as the posts claimed, we examined the design. Our analysis found it closely resembles a pattern from “99 Names of Allah” Arabic calligraphy in Kufi script – a well-known decorative theme rather than a single printed word.

Arabic-language experts confirm it is calligraphy, not a printed word

For further clarification, we contacted the Editor-in-Chief of the Vidivelli newspaper, who is knowledgeable in Arabic. He said the word “Allah” is written here in a particular style of Arabic calligraphy. He added that he had personally studied and verified the matter, sharing supporting evidence with us, and suggested the manufacturer likely printed the design on the footwear without realising what it represented.

We also sought comment from the media spokesperson of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), who likewise confirmed that the design follows a particular style of Arabic calligraphy.

Hikkaduwa Footwear says the design came from Pinterest

We contacted Hikkaduwa Footwear, which explained that the design was based on artwork sourced from www.pinterest.com and was not created to insult, disrespect or offend any religious symbol or community’s beliefs. On learning that the design had hurt the sentiments of a religious community, the company said it acted immediately and changed the design within 24 hours and issued an official public statement.

Acting on the company’s information, we searched Pinterest and found an image matching the design. It was described only as Arabic calligraphy, with no indication that it contained the word “Allah.” pinterest.com

Hikkaduwa Footwear revised and corrected the design

In its official statement, the company said: “Our attention was drawn to allegations from the market that a design on a Hikkaduwa Footwear product resembles a religious symbol. As soon as we became aware that the design had affected religious sentiments, Hikkaduwa Footwear’ acted immediately and took the necessary steps to revise and correct it within 24 hours. If this incident has inadvertently caused distress or offended the religious or social sentiments of any individual or community, we sincerely express our regret.

“We emphasise that this design was in no way created with the intention of insulting or belittling any religion, religious symbol, or cultural value. ‘Hikkaduwa Footwear’ remains firmly committed to respecting all religions, cultural values, and social diversity. We affirm that we conduct our business responsibly, upholding the highest standards of fairness and respect across all our future products and activities.”

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Conclusion

Fact Crescendo’s investigation into claims that Hikkaduwa-branded footwear is printed with the name “Allah” found that the footwear carries a stylised form of Arabic calligraphy. Arabic-language experts and the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) independently confirmed this.

So, while it is true that the footwear featured a design resembling the name “Allah” in Arabic calligraphy, the evidence indicates it was neither intentionally created nor meant as a religious insult. Hikkaduwa Footwear has since corrected the design and announced the change in an official statement.