Does the Prophet's -peace and blessings be upon him- meaning of nocturnal emission (ihtilam) include the discharge of a transparent, viscous substance? Is ghusl (ritual bath) obligatory because of it? And must the prayers performed before knowing the obligation of ghusl be repeated?

The fluid discharged by a woman during sleep or wakefulness needs clarification: If it is madhiy (pre-seminal fluid), it does not necessitate ghusl (ritual bath). Instead, it requires washing whatever part of the garment and body it has touched, washing the private parts, and performing wudhu' (ablution). This is based on the saying of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him: "I was a man who frequently discharged madhiy. So I asked Miqdad to ask the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. He asked him and he said: 'It necessitates wudhu'.'" If the fluid is maniy (seminal fluid), then ghusl is obligatory, based on the words of Allah Almighty: "And if you are in a state of janabah (major ritual impurity), then purify yourselves." (Quran 5:6). It is also obligatory to make up the prayers that were performed from the time of the first janabah until ghusl was performed. Likewise, every prayer performed while there was madhiy on the garment or body must be made up, because it is impure and prayer is not valid without purifying oneself from both. The number of prayers is determined by diligent effort and investigation.