What is the ruling on blood that continues for a long time, accompanied by a brownish discharge and secretions, knowing that the normal menstrual cycle begins with a brownish discharge and ends with a brownish and yellowish discharge, and lasts for 8 or 9 days? And do I count the days of menstruation from the beginning of the brownish discharge connected to the blood, or from the beginning of clear blood? And is it obligatory for a woman with continuous non-menstrual bleeding (istihada) to perform ghusl (ritual bath) upon purification, just as a menstruating woman does? And is it permissible for a woman with istihada to perform istinja (cleansing) and use a protective pad before the prayer time, then perform ablution immediately upon the entry of the time without a new istinja?
Yellowish or brownish discharge is not considered menstruation unless it occurs during the accustomed period or immediately follows blood. If a woman sees such discharge before the onset of blood, it is considered menstruation if it falls within her accustomed period. However, if it occurs outside her accustomed period, it is not considered menstruation unless blood is subsequently seen. If the duration of menstruation (according to the aforementioned rule) exceeds fifteen days, the woman is considered to be experiencing irregular bleeding (istihada). In this case, she must perform a single ghusl (ritual bath) after the cessation of what she considers menstruation, and then perform ablution (wudu') for each prayer after its time has begun.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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