How is the Law on Clapping Sakinah, Problematic in Jurisprudence?

The world of cyberspace is being shocked by the viral sakinah applause. A song accompanied by movements that was originally used in the Indonesian Ministry of Religion’s marriage guidance program. In short, sakinah claps are rhythmic claps that are sung and accompanied by lyrics containing suggestions for pairing, strong promises, mutual love, mutual respect, mutual approval, deliberation for sakinah and maslahah.

Initially, “Tepuk Sakinah” was used as an interactive method to lighten the atmosphere (ice breaker) marriage guidance class so it doesn’t feel stiff. However, after the video of the demonstration spread widely on social media, the movement transformed into a new cultural phenomenon that was widely followed by netizens. Many young people parody the sakinah pat in various styles.

This phenomenon has attracted public attention because it combines education and entertainment. Many people appreciate it because clapping sakinah is considered to be a means of building awareness of the importance of a harmonious household life. However, there are also netizens who are sarcastic. Some of them considered that the sakinah applause did not have a significant positive impact. Not a few also believe that shouting and clapping are no longer relevant when applied to the current generation.

Apart from the pros and cons above, of course the focus of our discussion is not about this. But in terms of jurisprudence. The discussion regarding the law of applause in fiqh follows the discussion of applause in prayer. That is, when something happens during congregational prayer, the female ma’mum’s alternative to remind her imam is to clap. Starting from this discussion, the discussion then moved on to the issue of clapping outside prayer.

Differences of opinion cannot be avoided, some scholars such as Imam Zarkasyi stated that within the Imam Syafii school itself there are two opinions. And superior opinion and mu’tamad forbid clapping outside prayer. This opinion is not clear, but with a note that there is no need for applause. If there is a need, such as calling someone from a distance, then it is allowed. In the book Nihayah al-Muhtaj Imam Romli’s work states:

Tebuireng Magazine

He said: Behind the left side, but if you hit your stomach outside of prayer like a poor person, Al-Zarkashi said: This has two aspects for our friends. And it is possible that among these prohibitions are prohibitions, which are adhered to especially in mosques, as is done now by ignorant people, this and that, with a margin, and their place must be in something. He didn’t really need it. He is now among those who want to call someone who is far from him, and what is in accordance with what was quoted in the lesson on the authority of MR – may Allah have mercy on him.

From several references, scholars who forbid clapping outside prayer argue that clapping outside prayer contains elements responsibility (game) and potentially exists qosdu tasyabbuh (resembling) a woman.

Also Read: The Law of Applause in the Science Assembly

Imam Ramli in his book Fatwa-, asked about Imam Zarkasyi’s opinion, that clapping for men while joking is haram because there are elements in it. tasyabbuh with women. Does he agree or not? And is this prohibition limited only to the intention? tasyabbuh with women? Or more generally, that is, anything that is identified with women is haram for men to do even though they do not intend to resemble women? Then he answered: this opinion is approved if the aim is to be playful, even though there is no intention to resemble a woman.

In MR’s fatwa, he was asked – radhiyallahu ‘anhu – about Al-Zarkashi’s statement that men are prohibited from clapping for entertainment because they imitate women. What is Islam? Or not, is the prohibition only limited to the intention to imitate it, or is it said that what is a woman’s specialty is forbidden for men to do, even if the intention is not to imitate it? Towards women he answered: He is a Muslim, therefore it is only for fun, although he does not intend to imitate women.

Then he was asked about the ruling on clapping outside prayer without any need. Is this law also illegal or not? He answered; If there is an intention to resemble a woman then it is haram, if not then it is makruh.

He was asked about clapping outside prayers for no reason. Is it prohibited or not? He answered: If a man intends to imitate a woman, then it is haram, otherwise it is frowned upon. Oh.

Meanwhile, Ibn Hajar al-Haitamy allows applause outside of prayer absolutely, whether there is a playful purpose or with the practice of keeping both hands apart, as explained in the book Ghuror al-Bahiyah the work of Syaikul Islam Zakariya al-Anshori;

Clapping outside prayer without a purpose is haram, unlike clapping the poor. Oh. Our Sheikh HFOh. Jeremy in style. Hajr says it is permissible to pray outside, even for playing purposes and with one hand kept away from the other, Ahql. (His words: and that is permissible, etc.), unlike applause, do no harm, even though he intended to inform the media.

God bless.

Also Read: Gen Z’s Confusion Amid the Sakinah Clapping Trend

Reference:

Nihayah al-Muhtaj, Shamsuddin al-Ramli

Ghuror al-Bahiyyah, Zakariya al-Anshori

Author: Umu Salamah, teacher at the Raudhatul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Pati.

Editor: Muh. Sutan