The tawaf is the act of circulation or circumambulation around the Ka’abah. It is the major act, or a compulsory part, of Umrah and without it, your Umrah is nullified. For pilgrims from the United Kingdom, umrah Packages from UK based agencies deem fit, although they can surf online to make their own package too.
The way to do tawaf is, of course to bear a few things in mind. It isn't as straightforward as just going around the Ka’abah seven times. One thing to first and foremost understand is that one round or circuit around the Ka’abah is known as a Shawt and the seven complete are called Ashwath (plural) is a tawaf. So tawaf is not one then two and then three rounds, but it's referring to the act of all seven circulations.
Now, as you are performing your tawaf, you would see the starting point. Nowadays, it's very easy to recognize with the green light where the black stone, Hajr-al-Aswad is. You would make your way from there and that would be the beginning of your first round, followed by another, and another and finally all seven.
A few things to keep in mind while you are performing Tawaf are to try to focus and try to make as much Zikr as possible. Some scholars say that don't look at the Ka’abah whilst you are performing. Why is this? Because looking at the Ka'abah will distract you from this act of worship. That is why you should just focus on making dua and your Azkaar and remembering Allah SWT by all his good names and never-ending attributes. Looking at the Ka'abah, not only will it distract you but it can also cause health and safety concerns. Because you're not looking at where you're going exactly and the Ka’abah is indeed a mesmerizing sight for many people, it could be the case that you might bump into others.
Also, try to keep count of your circuits whilst you are performing the tawaf. If for some reason you do lose count, then the safest thing to do is to do one extra rather than doing one less. Also for men, another sunnah practice to keep in mind during the tawaf is what is known as the Rummel.
What is the Rummel? The Prophet SAWW ordered the companions to do this for the first three rounds of the Tawaf only. What would this entail? A couple of things; First and foremost it would require pacing. Which doesn’t necessarily mean running or rushing or causing anyone harm rather it would be a show of strength. In the meantime, for those first three rounds, one would also uncover their right shoulder. And of course, this is an act for men only.
There's a hadith of Islam asking why we still do this when in fact Islam has been strengthened and the response was that it is because it's a sunnah of the Holy Prophet SAWW. By missing this out, however, your Tawaf won’t be nullified. It's just a recommended practice and all of these things mentioned above, are very important to keep in mind whilst performing the Tawaf.
Can you perform Tawaf without Ihraam?
The tawaf of Hajj and Umrah should be performed always in Ihraam. However for all voluntary tawaf that is outside hajj and Umrah. When we are outside the state of al-Ihraam, then of course we may perform in our normal clothes. In fact, a Muslim or a pilgrim who comes to Makkah should endeavour to perform as many Tawafs as possible. Also, as you enter Masjid al-Haraam, you should intend to perform a Tawaf every time you enter it. Doing so would give you hope and courage instilled in you by Allah SWT.
After the completion of 7 rounds, you finish your Tawaf by praying 2 rakats. Also, one should keep in mind the duas he or she should ask for during the Tawaf, Well, there ain’t any specific of these, what is recommended is that a person starts from duas or supplications that ask for Allah’s mercy in the starting rounds. Upon completion of four rounds (which means only three rounds are left), one is obliged to go for supplications asking for repentance and deliverance from hellfire.