Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi:
Allah's Apostle went to establish peace among Bani `Amr bin `Auf. In the meantime the time of
prayer was due and the Mu'adh-dhin went to Abu Bakr and said, "Will you lead the prayer, so that I
may pronounce the Iqama?" Abu Bakr replied in the affirmative and led the prayer. Allah's Apostle
came while the people were still praying and he entered the rows of the praying people till he stood in
the (first row). The people clapped their hands. Abu Bakr never glanced sideways in his prayer but
when the people continued clapping, Abu Bakr looked and saw Allah's Apostle. Allah's Apostle
beckoned him to stay at his place. Abu Bakr raised his hands and thanked Allah for that order of
Allah's Apostle and then he retreated till he reached the first row. Allah's Apostle went forward and
led the prayer. When Allah's Apostle finished the prayer, he said, "O Abu Bakr! What prevented you
from staying when I ordered you to do so?"
Abu Bakr replied, "How can Ibn Abi Quhafa (Abu Bakr) dare to lead the prayer in the presence of
Allah's Apostle?" Then Allah's Apostle said, "Why did you clap so much? If something happens to
anyone during his prayer he should say Subhan Allah. If he says so he will be attended to, for clapping
is for women."