Clapping Outside Prayer

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question: I would be grateful if you could tell me the position of the Hanafi Ulema on clapping apart from in Salah e.g. after a speech, in Qawwalis, etc.
Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalamu alaikum,
There is difference of opinion, about the ruling of clapping.
In general, it is permitted and not disliked if for a reason, such as catching someone’s attention or seeking permission to enter someone house, or to accompany singing, or when playing around with children.
Without due reason, some scholars held it disliked, arguing that it is a blameworthy activity (lahw), and resembles the heedless ways of the Days of Ignorance, of which Allah Most High said, “And their worship at the (holy) House is naught but whistling and handclapping.” (Qur’an, 8.35)
Some others held it to be disliked, though others conditioned its being disliked if done in the way the heedless or disbelievers characteristically do it.
As such, it would be best to avoid it. But given that most scholars have not considered it impermissible, it is not something one should normally correct others about, except through good, sincere advice.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani