How is the case of Istihada (abnormal uterine bleeding) ruled for a woman who experiences continuous flow characterized by distinguishing features?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
A woman whose bleeding exhibits distinct characteristics—an initial phase of thick, dark, foul-smelling blood (representing menstruation) followed by thinner, red, or yellow discharge (representing Istihada)—is ruled upon based on this distinction. The dark/thick phase must not exceed the maximum duration of menstruation nor fall below its minimum. Her ruling is that her menstruation period is the duration of the dark or thick or foul-smelling blood. Once this ceases, she is considered a woman experiencing Istihada, must perform Ghusl for the menstruation, and thereafter perform Wudu for every subsequent prayer and pray. Ahmad supported this method, stating that when the flow changes from dark to lighter colors, she should perform Ghusl for the potential menstruation and then pray, treating the remainder as Istihada.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa rejects the consideration of distinguishing features (Tamyeez), holding that only the established habit (Adah) is to be considered. He bases this on the hadith of Umm Salamah, where the Prophet commanded the woman to observe the number of days and nights she previously menstruated, abstain from prayer for that duration monthly, and then perform Ghusl and pray thereafter.