The Islamic State has banned the residents of Raqqa from using Nike products on the grounds that the brand name in Arabic has a sexual innuendo and hence it would be 'haram' for Muslims to use clothing, footwear and accessories made by the American company.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, Isis fighters have distributed leaflets asking all shop owners inside the city to do away with Nike products.

Those who fail to follow the rule will be punished by public lashing, imprisonment and fine, Abu Mohammed, an RBSS activist said, citing the Isis leaflet.

The leaflet also contains warning to all youngsters and shop owners against wearing and selling tee-shirts that contain words with sexual connotations. Tee shirts with 'vulgar words' such as Hussy, Follow Me, Take Me, Buy Me, b**ch and wh**e have been banned by Isis.

The Syrian media activist, Mohammad, however, notes that it was "strange" that for an organisation, whose top leader sports a Rolex watch, while its other members on several occasions have been seen wearing Nike, Adidas and others brands, should call it 'haram.'

This is not the first time that Isis in Raqqa has been trying to police what people wear. Earlier this month, the Islamic State in Raqqa has banned men from wearing skinny jeans and even imprisoned those found violating the law for 10 days, it was reported.