How can prayer and ghusl times be determined when menstruation is irregular and its signs change, and yellowness appears before and after menstruation, and bleeding continues thereafter? Should one pray or refrain from praying when in doubt? What is the ruling on performing ablution before the time for prayer begins and delaying prayer for that reason? Is it necessary to change clothes if they are affected by yellowness?

Blood is considered menses if it appears within a fifteen-day period. As for yellowish discharge before menses, it is not considered menses by many scholars. However, if yellowish discharge appears after menses and is connected to the blood, then it is menses. If it appears after seeing the sign of purity (Ṭuhr), it is not considered menses. The signs of purity are dryness or the white discharge (al-qaṣṣah al-bayḍā’). If a woman sees blood outside the period of possibility (i.e., outside the regular menstrual period), then she is in a state of istihadah (definition) (non-menstrual bleeding). She must perform ablution (wudu’) for every prayer after its time has begun. In case of doubt, the original state (i.e., purity) is assumed. Yellowish discharge before menstruation is not to be given attention. When the bleeding stops, if it is followed by yellowish or brownish discharge, she is still considered menstruating. However, if the yellowish or brownish discharge reappears after purity, it is not considered menses; rather, it is an impurity that necessitates Istinja (definition)' (washing private parts) and ablution for prayer. If blood reappears, then if it is within the period of possibility, it is menses; otherwise, it is istihadah.