ENCOURAGING OTHERS STUDENTS BY CLAPPING
Question:
Is it permissible for a man to playfully clap for his child or his students to be requested to clap in class to encourage their classmates?
Answer:
One should not clap; in the very least, it is severely Makhruh (dislike), because it is a pre-Islam practice. Moreover, it is an act that is specific to women, for the purpose of reminding the Imam when he makes an error in the prayer. And with Allah is the facilitation to do what is right. May peace and blessing be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions?
Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah Darussalam Vol 8 page no. 123