What is the ruling on brown discharges that precede menstruation and are interspersed with a small amount of blood? Is this considered menstruation, thereby necessitating abstention from prayer? And how can one differentiate between Kuddrah (brownish discharge) and natural discharges or those resulting from infections?

The answer refers to previous fatwas regarding the ruling on brownish discharge (Kudra), whether the menstrual cycle is regular or irregular. If the brownish discharge is mixed with blood, the default is that it is menstrual blood if it is possible for it to be menstruation, meaning at least fifteen days have passed since the previous period of purity (Tuhr). The questioner is advised to abandon obsessive doubts (waswas) and not to exaggerate in purification (Istinja (definition)'), as it is sufficient to believe that purification has been achieved.