Answered by Shaykh Amjad Rasheed
What is the ruling on applause generally, that happens at the end of a lecture in the West, and applause used in circles of dhikr to keep the rhythm?
There is some detail and difference of opinion on the issue of applause.
As for during the prayer, it is sunna for women to do it when the imam forgets something. A lady should clap the palm of her right hand onto the back of her left hand to alert the imam.
As for outside of the prayer, if it is for a need such as stirring up the dhikr and keeping the permissible rhythms as the Sufis do, or for teaching, as teachers do during a lesson, then it is permissible, as is mentioned in the Hashiyat al-Bajuri (1/181).
As for when there is no need, Shaykh ibn Hajar has relied upon the position that it is absolutely disliked for men and women, whether they intend to play by it or not. And al-Shams al-Ramli has relied upon the position that if it is intended for play, then it is haram, if not, then it is disliked.
– Amjad Rasheed
(Translated by Shazia Ahmad)