Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, and all blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad, his folk, companions and those who follow their noble way,
If your "frantic clapping" would have been considered excessive action, such that a distant onlooker who did not know you were in prayer would think you were not praying, then your prayer would be invalidated. If unsure whether it was excessive action, then it is not.
It is permitted to break prayer if one fears the loss of anything of value, including one's food if it will burn. However, it is superior to take the means beforehand and avoid such things happening.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
MMVIII © Faraz Rabbani and Qibla.
All rights reserved
No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of both copyright holders. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Knowledge is only through study." While some knowledge can be gained from reading or casually listening to lectures, the best means to gain knowledge is through finding a qualified teacher and then setting up a systematic program of learning. Picking up a book or reading an article and trying to figure things out on our own is no substitute for learning from someone who has a direct link to our living tradition.
Through joining an online class at Qibla, you can benefit from convenient, online courses that will give you access to reliable scholars and our popular curriculum learning tracks. Knowledge gained in these courses will both build your iman and assist you in putting into practice what you learn. Don't give yourself less than you deserve, register today.
