Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I have come heard many views that clapping is not permissible in Islaam. For example, an applause when children are performing something or any other halaal performance. Could you state whether this is true and which hadith relates to this.

Regards for the Good Efforts Jazak Allah Khair

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Answer:

Clapping allowed or not

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 8 Surah Anfaal verse 35:Their (the pagan’s) prayer at the house (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: (its only answer can be) "taste ye the penalty because ye blasphemed."

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.295 Narrated by Abu Huraira

The Prophet (saws) said, "The saying 'Sub Han Allah' is for men and clapping is for women." (If something happens in the prayer, the men can invite the attention of the Imam by saying "Sub Han Allah". And women, by clapping their hands).

Clapping is basically making a sound with the hands to draw the attention of someone; and it is an act encouraged for the women when she needs to invite the attention of a non-mehram man.

If one claps to applaud or encourage a good act, there is absolutely no harm. But if one claps to an illegal song, or while dancing, or to applaud any forbidden act; then it will be considered encouraging a forbidden act and thus impermissible.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan