Clapping in Nasheeds
Assalamu Alaykum mufti saheb, hoping you’re well.
Is it permissible to clap in a rhythm in naats and nasheeds? There will be no musical instruments involved and the naat will be in praise of the prophet. Some naats on the internet have clapping in the background
Jazakallah for your time mufti saheb!
Answer
Wa ʿAlaykumus Salām Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
Allāh ﷻ says:
“and their worship at the (holy) House is naught but whistling and handclapping.” [al-Qur’ān 8:35].
In principle, it is reprehensible to clap and should thus be avoided, so as to not resemble the disbelievers who would carry out their worship by clapping their hands.
However, if it is done casually, for a valid reason such as to grab the attention of another, then it will not be impermissible.
In the enquired scenario, a naat or a nasheed does not serve as valid grounds for the practice of clapping; hence, such will be deemed impermissible especially since it resembles music in the sense that clapping sounds are used therein to enhance the sounds.