What is the ruling on men clapping when a tambourine is being played?

Men playing the tambourine (daf) and clapping is forbidden because it involves imitating women. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, permitted women to play the tambourine at weddings and celebrations, but men did not do so in his time. It is authentically reported from him, peace and blessings be upon him: "Clapping is for women, and tasbih (saying 'Subhan Allah') is for men." He also cursed men who imitate women. The early Muslims (Salaf) used to call men who did such things effeminate (mukhannath).