How to Distinguish Between Menstrual Blood and Irregular Non-Menstrual Bleeding

Question:
A woman is asking again about how to distinguish between menstrual blood and irregular non-menstrual bleeding.

Answer:
Generally, menstrual blood is thick, and it may be black, and it may have an odor. Irregular non-menstrual bleeding is generally not like that; it is thin and yellow. This is the most common case, but the decisive factor is the custom. So, if her custom arrives, she leaves off the prayer even if the blood is thin. If it is yellowish or brownish during the time of her custom, she does not pray and does not fast. The blood changes, so when she becomes pure, she does not pay attention to the yellowish or brownish discharge. Rather, she prays and fasts and performs the ablution for every prayer. As for if the blood continues and exceeds her custom, she does not pray and does not fast until fifteen days. If it exceeds that, it is irregular non-menstrual bleeding beyond the fifteen days. This is the stronger position according to the majority of scholars. If the blood exceeds fifteen days, it is irregular non-menstrual bleeding. She does not leave off the prayer and does not leave off fasting. Rather, she has to perform the full ritual bath. Then, when the time of menstruation comes in the following month, she sits out for her usual custom.