What is the ruling concerning the fasting of a woman over fifty who is surprised by the discharge of a few drops of blood before Asr for three consecutive days, with it stopping at night? Is this considered menstruation, obliging her to make up those days, or is there no harm in her completing her fast?

Scholars differ on the maximum age for menstruation. Some say it is fifty, and this is the view of the Hanbalis. Others do not specify a limit. If menstrual blood appears after the age of fifty, it is considered istihadah (non-menstrual bleeding) by the Hanbalis, and she must perform wudu (ablution) and pray, and her fast is valid. According to the second opinion, menstrual blood is considered istihadah if its duration does not reach a day and a night, and one must cleanse oneself from it, perform wudu, pray, and her fast is valid. However, the Malikis and Ibn Taymiyyah hold that these drops of blood are considered menses, invalidate the fast, and she must perform ghusl (ritual bath) after its cessation.