What is the prayer time currently obligatory upon me, especially since I underwent an ectopic pregnancy operation, and after the operation blood flowed, and the doctor told me that I am like a woman in postpartum bleeding (nifas)? Fifteen days have passed since the operation, and blood is still flowing intermittently or black discharge? And when should a woman in postpartum bleeding who has given birth pray?

There is no minimum limit for lochia (postpartum bleeding); whenever a woman experiencing lochia sees purity, she must perform ghusl (ritual bath) and pray. The maximum limit is forty days, and any blood a woman sees during this period is considered lochia. If the bleeding exceeds forty days, the woman is considered to have istihada (irregular vaginal bleeding), unless the additional bleeding coincides with her regular menstrual period. Yellowish and brownish discharge connected to blood is considered lochia. However, after the cessation of blood, there is a difference of opinion regarding it, and the more preponderant opinion is that it is not considered lochia. A woman experiencing lochia must refrain from prayer for the duration of the bleeding, and upon its cessation, she performs ghusl and prays. If the bleeding returns within the forty days, she is still considered to be in lochia. However, if the yellowish or brownish discharge returns, it is considered purity.