What is the ruling on fasting and prayer if a woman sees a brownish discharge before menstruation, which then stops, and then returns? Is she considered to be menstruating in this case?

Spotting (kudrah) during the regular menstrual period is considered menses (hayd) by the Hanbalis and the majority of scholars if its duration reaches a day and a night. However, some scholars do not consider it menses at all, or they only consider it menses if it immediately follows and is connected to the blood at the end of the period. If the spotting occurs outside the regular menstrual period, it is not considered menses. But if it occurs during the regular menstrual period and its total duration reaches a day and a night, it is considered menses by the majority of scholars. You should perform ghusl after its cessation, and you are subject to the rulings of women in a state of purity during the intermittent periods of purity.