What is the ruling on bloody discharges that precede menstruation, and is intercourse permissible during this period? And how can a woman know purity if she does not see the white discharge (al-qassah al-bayda’)? What is the ruling on intermittent bleeding during menstruation? And are brown or black discharges after the first days of menstruation considered menstruation? And what is the ruling on brown discharges after purity if they are accompanied by blood, and is this considered istihadah (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding)? And what is the correct method for ghusl (ritual bath) after menstruation and janabah (state of ritual impurity)?

If a woman sees blood a week before her period is due, and this blood is suitable to be menstrual blood (its duration, including what follows it, does not exceed fifteen days), then it is menstruation, and she should abstain from prayer and intercourse. If the bleeding stops and she sees dryness, she has purified herself and must perform ghusl. At that point, all rulings applicable to pure women apply to her. If the blood returns after that, she becomes hayd (menstruating) again, as long as it occurs within the possible time of menstruation. As for yellowish or brownish discharge after purification, it is not considered menstruation. The ghusl for menstruation and janabah (major ritual impurity) is not different according to the majority of scholars, and what is obligatory is to ensure water reaches the roots of the hair.