A:
It is obligatory to observe fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan. It is also desirable to offer Tarawih Prayer at night. This was the regular practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Sahabah (Companions). One must not follow acts of Bid`ahs (innovations in religion) which came to be practiced to Islam after the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Sahabah. The books of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) as well as the statements of reliable Fuqaha' (jurists) provide a good source for
knowing the proper way of offering Tarawih Prayer. It is not permissible to spend the nights of Ramadan smoking cigarettes and the water pipe, and reciting the Qur'an in the manner as the questioner has mentioned. It is not permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) behind an Imam who makes amulets, which include Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and seeking the help of other than Allah (Exalted be He). By the same token, it is not permissible to
recite the Holy Qur'an for the dead, whether during or after Ramadan. This is because there is no proof to support this practice.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.