176 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Tasbīḥ is for the men and clapping is for the women.” Agreed upon. Muslim adds the words, “in the prayer.” ⦗1⦘

Glossary of terms
• Taṣfīq (clapping): for a woman to strike the palm of her right hand against the back of her left in order to draw attention to something that has happened during the prayer.
• Tasbīḥ: the worshipper’s saying, “Subḥān Allah.”

Points derived from the ḥadith

1. Background: A dispute arose among the clan of Banū ʿAmr ibn ʿAwf, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went to their homes in Qubāʾ to reconcile them. When the time for prayer came, Bilāl went to Abū Bakr and said, “Will you lead the people?” He replied, “Yes,” and he led them in prayer. The Prophet arrived while they were praying, made his way forward until he stood in the first row, and the people began clapping. Abū Bakr turned, saw the Prophet, and the latter signalled to him to remain where he was. Abū Bakr raised his hands, praised Allah, then stepped back into the row, and the Messenger of Allah advanced and led the people. When the prayer was over he said, “Why did I see you clapping so much? If something happens to a man during his prayer, let him say ‘Subḥān Allah’; tasbīḥ is for the men, and clapping is for the women.”
2. It is recommended for men, when something unexpected occurs in their prayer, to say, “Subḥān Allah.”
3. It is recommended for women, when something unexpected occurs in their prayer, to clap, for that is more discreet for them,