Are the first three days during which light spotting occurs after an IUD insertion considered menstruation, or is it irregular bleeding until the known menstrual blood appears? Is it permissible for my niece, who lives in Britain, to break her fast in Ramadan due to the long fasting hours coinciding with her exams, and then make up the fast in winter? Which of the two Islamic centers in Canada should my sister follow to determine the beginning of Ramadan: the one that relies on astronomical calculations for several years to come, or the one that relies on sighting in Mecca?

The brownish discharge (kudra) before menstruation is not considered part of it by some scholars. Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, was of the opinion that it is not significant unless it occurs during menstruation. As for seeing blood three days before the usual period due to an IUD, it is considered menstruation if 13 days have passed since the previous menstrual period. It is not permissible to break the fast because of exams. Determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan depends on sighting the crescent moon, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it," and not on astronomical calculations or the sighting of the people of Makkah specifically.