Clapping: Is Clapping During Religious Celebrations and Praises Permissible?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Clapping: Is Clapping During Religious Celebrations and Praises Permissible?

English:

Question #1175:

What is the ruling in the matter of clapping which normally accompanies songs of praise of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and his Household (a.s.) and recitation of salawāt in birth parties of the Infallibles (a.s.) and other religious festival? And would the ruling be different if these celebrations were held in places of worship, such as masjids and prayer rooms in government departments and institutions?

Answer #1175:

Generally speaking, in itself there is no problem in clapping in the way common in such celebrations, or as a gesture of encouragement, or expression of approval and the like. However, it is more meritorious to adorn the celebratory atmosphere with the sound of chanting salawāt on the Prophet (s.a.w.), and his progeny (a.s.) and Allahu Akbar especially when the event takes place in masjids and similar places of worship so that the participants would reap more reward.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Clapping