Is it a sin to whistle, to clap, to wear yellow and red clothes?

Is it a sin to whistle, to clap, to wear yellow and red clothes? 1. Is it a sin to whistle? Is there any evidence showing that whistling is a sin? 2. There are some people who regard clapping a person in order to congratulate him objectionable. Is it objectionable to clap a person? 3. Is there any evidence in sound books showing that men are not allowed to wear yellow and red clothes?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Answer 1:

It is known that the polytheists living in the period of Jahiliyyah showed respect to the Kaaba, changed its cover (clothing) every year and that served food and drinks to the people who went there to worship. (1)

It is also known that they clapped one another and whistled in order to encourage worshipping. The following is stated in the Quran:

"Their prayer at the House (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: (its only answer can be) 'Taste ye the penalty because ye blasphemed.'" (al-Anfal, 8/35)

Imam Fakhruddin Razi writes the following while interpreting this verse:

"Allah states the following about unbelievers: 'They are not the owners of the Kaaba'; then, He states that the worshipping of the polytheists consists of clapping of hands and whistling.   (...) The writer of the book called Kashshaf explains the issue as follows: "The word muka mentioned in the verse means whistling and the word tasdiya means clapping hands." (2)

In the narration reported by Hz. Abdullah Ibn Abbas, this worshipping of the Makkan polytheists is mentioned. Therefore, it is not appropriate to whistle when there is no need to do so. 

It is known that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said,

"Paradise is surrounded by things that are not liked by the soul and Hell is surrounded by things that are desired by the soul." (3)

Those who live in accordance with their evil-commanding souls using their tradition as an excuse need to repent. The believers who are getting ready for the Day of Accounting should avoid clapping hands and whistling with the intention of opposing polytheists. We hope they will receive rewards thanks to this intention.   

However, it is stated that a person may whistle in order to make animals graze, make a camel walk on the road, etc. 

To sum up, we can say that whistling is not a good thing but it is permissible to whistle in some situations.

Answer 2:

Clapping means to approve of something. Approval has been shown differently throughout history. Today, it is indicated by clapping hands.  

It can be said that if the thing, the person or the people that a person claps is something approved by Islam, it is permissible to clap; if it is something not approved by Islam, it is not permissible to clap. If the person who is clapped thinks he is clapped due to the truth he mentions, it is all right; however, if he regards it as something that spoils him, he should ask the people not to clap him. Thus, he will be saved from something that will lead him to hypocrisy.  

Answer 3:

It is known that the Prophet (pbuh) wore white, black, green and red clothes at various times. However, he generally preferred white clothes and advised his Companions to wear white clothes. There are also narrations that he wore a red gown, cardigan and turban. (4)

However, we are advised not to wear clothes that have very eye-catching and unlikable colors. (5)

Footnotes:

(1) For detailed information, see M. Ali Sabuni, Ahkam Tefsiri İst.:1984 2/16 ff.
(2) For detailed information, see Imam Fakhruddin Razi - Tafsir Kabir (Mafatihu'l Ghayb) Ank: 1991 Vol: 11 p: 309.
(3) Sahih Müslim - Jannah: 1, see also Sunan Tirmidhi - Jannah: 21.
(4) Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat I. 451; Bukhari, al-Adab 127 no: 348.
(5) see YARDIM, Ali Peygamberimizin Şemaili, Damla İst.1998 p.117-122.

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