Assalaamu `alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. At a large fundraiser for a masjid in the U.S., the imam and another sheikh were complaining to the audience that they were not applauding enough for the entertainment (such as children singing nasheeds, a Muslim comedian, etc.). They said, “Perhaps some of you think it is haram, that is why you are not clapping, but it is not haram to clap”. So they were insisting in this manner. Yet on the other hand, they did not say “takbir” and then urge us to say “Allahu Akbar” louder, which is expected at such an event. Instead, they were urging us to clap more and even the imam was onstage clapping at the end of one of the performances of kids reciting Qur`an or saying nasheeds. It was quite strange and uncomfortable. Is it good to clap at such occasions? Was it recommended for me as an audience member to clap when requested by the imam? Jazakum Allahu khairan.
All praise be to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be on the last and best prophet and messenger, Muhammad.
There is no harm in clapping, for there is no clear evidence on its prohibition aside from Allah’s saying:
“وَمَا كَانَ صَلاتُهُمْ عِنْدَ الْبَيْتِ إِلا مُكَاءً وَتَصْدِيَةً فَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ”
“Their [disbelievers] salât (prayer) at the House (of Allâh, i.e. the Ka‘bah at Makkah) was nothing but whistling and clapping of hands. Therefore, taste the punishment because you used to disbelieve.”
It is not clear that clapping is forbidden for it merely means that clapping is not an appropriate form of prayer.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Why do you clap when something occurs to you [i.e., you recognize a mistake done by the imam] in the prayer? Let him who notices something wrong in the prayer say: subhana-Allah for clapping is only for women.”
The aforementioned hadeeth indicates that it is not appropriate for men to clap during the prayers, but they should rather say: subhana-Allah. There is no evidence here either that it is forbidden outside of the prayer.
It remains to be said that many distinguished scholars forbade or disliked clapping, and they use the aforementioned proofs to support their positions. Thus, I do not agree with urging the audience to clap. One may simply clap and explain calmly the ruling to the congregation and let those who want to clap do and those who don’t practice their free will and conviction.
As for takbeer, if people spontaneously make takbeer when they see or hear something pleasing to their hearts, and do it in a moderate voice, then that is an acceptable sunnah, otherwise it is abuse of the sunnah.
Allah knows best.