Coloured discharge after haidh

Q: I have a few questions regarding figuring out the end of my period.

For the last 10 years, I had been relying on the opinion that once there has been clear discharge/dryness towards the end of one's menses, whatever comes after that in terms of colored discharge should be ignored. I determined my habit according to this rule (when I say dryness once, I considered it the end of my period and ignored what came after).

Recently, I have been told that the colored discharge after menses is also considered menses (up to the 10 day mark) and one must make ghusl accordingly, multiple times when necessary. Is this the correct opinion?

If so, must I re-determine my habit according to this opinion or do I stick with my previous habit?

Lastly, since according to the first opinion, whatever comes after dryness is to be ignored, for the last 10 years I have been doing ghusl only once usually, and not repeating it following colored discharge afterwards. Do I have to make up all the prayers I did in this state for the last 10 years?

Also, the discharge that is after the established habit but before the 10 day mark, is this also menses?

A: If the bleeding seen at the time of haiz continues for more than the haiz pattern and does not exceed 10 days, the entire period will be regarded as haiz and it will be regarded as though the haiz pattern has changed. However, this ruling will apply in the situation where the blood does not flow thereafter for 15 days. However, if the bleeding comes again within 15 days from the end of her period, the woman will revert to her previous pattern and regard the bleeding thereafter to be istihaazah.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)