Explanation of the rulings on whistling and clapping.

The Shaykh : And among that is also what we have heard from some of the Sufis, that they clap during dhikr and tasbih. This is undoubtedly forbidden, because it is worshipping Allah the Exalted in a manner in which the people of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance worshipped. Clapping has rulings, one of which is that it is taken as worship, and there is no doubt in its prohibition and that it is not permissible. Another is that it is taken as amusement and play, and this is undoubtedly contrary to dignity, as is found in some people who keep clapping, and perhaps they jump on one leg or something similar to that, and this is contrary to dignity. Another is that it occurs in what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade, or in what he commanded the opposite of, such as alerting the imam. There is no doubt that if a person alerts the imam by clapping and he is a man, he has contradicted the command of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Another is that it occurs for the sake of enlivening and encouraging and showing approval, as is also done in many gatherings or in schools. Some scholars disliked this and said that its origin is taken from non-Muslims. There is no doubt that it should not be done, but a person does not dare to say that it is disliked or forbidden, because dislike or prohibition is a legal ruling that requires evidence. These are the rulings on clapping, as you have seen. And the Shaykh (may Allah have mercy on him) seems to be pointing to this, that if this is taken in the form of worship, then there is no doubt that it is from the deeds of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance.
The student: Whistling.

The Shaykh : No, whistling is more evil than clapping. I dislike whistling absolutely, even if it is for encouragement.