How is the ruling determined for a woman experiencing irregular bleeding (Istihada) who possesses a known cycle ('adat') and discernible bleeding characteristics ('tamyiz')?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
For a woman with a customary cycle experiencing Istihada where some blood is black and some is red, if the black blood occurs during the time of her usual menses, the customary time and the discernible color agree, and both are acted upon. If the discernible bleeding lasts longer or shorter than the customary period and is suitable to be considered menses, there are two recorded opinions. One view dictates that the discernible characteristic (tamyiz) takes precedence, and the customary time is abandoned. This appears to be the position of Al-Khiraqi, supported by the statement regarding a woman who distinguishes her blood, where she abandons prayer during its onset, without differentiation based on whether she has a customary cycle or not. Another basis for prioritizing discernment is that the condition for reverting to the customary time requires that the blood flow not be continuous, aligning with the apparent position of Al-Shafi'i, because the color of the blood is an inherent sign, whereas the cycle is a past time frame. Furthermore, as the bleeding necessitates Ghusl (ritual bath), its ruling reverts to its description when there is ambiguity, like semen.
Supporting text
The apparent view of Ahmad favors the customary cycle, which is the position held by the majority of scholars. This is supported by the Prophet (peace be upon him) referring Umm Habibah and the woman for whom Umm Salamah sought guidance back to their customary cycles, without distinguishing between those who had discernible bleeding or not. Furthermore, the narration concerning Fatimah is reported with differing accounts—one referring back to the custom, another to discernment—creating a conflict. The remaining undisputed Hadiths must be followed. Moreover, the narration concerning Fatimah might be a specific incident reflecting a particular state, possibly indicating she informed the Prophet (PBUH) she had no established cycle, or this was known otherwise. The general Hadith of 'Adiyy ibn Thabit applies to every woman experiencing Istihada and is therefore prioritized. Additionally, the customary cycle is considered stronger because its indication is not nullified, whereas if the color exceeds the maximum duration of menses, its indication is nullified; thus, that which is not nullified is stronger and preferred.