A: Clapping at celebrations is one of the acts of Jahiliyyah (pre­Islamic time of ignorance) and the least to be said about it is that it is Makruh (reprehensible). The most prominent opinion is that it is Haram (prohibited), for Muslims are prohibited from imitating the Kafirs (disbelievers), and Allah states when describing the Kafirs of Makkah: Their Salât (prayer) at the House (of Allâh, i.e. the Ka'bah at Makkah) was nothing but whistling and clapping of hands. Scholars state that whistling and clapping the hands were practices of Kafirs. However, when a believer sees or hears what they like or dislike, it is an act of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) to say, "Subhan Allah [Glorified be Allah]" or "Allah Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]", as confirmed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in many Hadith. However, it is permissible for women to clap their hands, when something happens during Salah (prayer) or when they are praying behind men and the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) forgets something. In this case, it is permissible for women to warn the Imam by clapping their hands while men are to warn him by saying Tasbih (saying: "Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]"), as confirmed from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Thus, men who clap their hands are mimicking Kafirs and women, and both acts are prohibited. Allah is the Grantor of success.