Laws Relating to the Woman in Menses (PART 2)

Regarding Yellowish and Brownish Discharges
If during the normal period, yellowish or brownish discharges occur, the woman must consider these as part of her menstruation, and therefore, the laws regarding menses (Laws Relating to Woman in Menses [Part 1]) apply to them.

If these discharges occur outside the normal period, then she should not consider them to be menstruation, and should instead consider herself to still be in a state of purity.

How does a woman know her menstruation has ended?
The end of the menstruation is shown by the end of the flow of blood, which can be recognized in two ways:

i. The flow of white discharge. This is a white discharge resembling whitewash, and it normally flows after the menstruation. Its color changes according to the differences in the conditions of women.

ii. The drying of the vagina. She finds that out by inserting a piece of cotton into her private part, and it comes out dry – without any sign of blood, or yellowish or brownish discharge.

What does a woman do at the end of her menses?
At the end of her menstruation the woman must perform a ritual cleansing – which involves washing her entire body with the intention of purifying herself. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

‘And if your menstruation occurs then leave prayer, and when it ends, wash yourself and resume praying.’
[Bukhaari]

The method of cleansing (Ghusl):
The woman makes the intention of removing the impurity, or purifying herself to perform the prayer and similar acts of worship. Then she should say, ‘Bismillah’ (in the name of Allah). She should then pour water over her entire body, and wet the roots of her hair with it, although if she has had it tied, it is not necessary to undo it; she merely wets it with the water. It is also permissible (allowed) if she uses Sidr (the leaves of the lotus tree) or some other form of cleansing agent. It is also mustahab (preferred) for her to use a piece of cotton scented with musk or other perfume to apply to her vagina after washing. This is proved by the order the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave to Asmaa to do so.
[Muslim]

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If the menstruating woman or the woman in lochia (bleeding after childbirth) becomes pure from the bleeding before the setting of the sun, then she must pray the Zuhr and Asr prayers of that day. If she becomes pure before the Fajr prayer, then she should pray the Magrib and Esha prayers of that night.
The times of both prayers is combined in times of necessity (a similar e.g. is during traveling prayers are combined), so if she becomes pure at the end of the day, then the time of Zuhr in her case still remains and so she must pray it before Asr. If she becomes pure at the end of the night then the time of Magrib for her still remains, so she must pray it before Esha.

If the time of prayer comes, and she menstruates or starts discharging lochia after childbirth before she is able to pray, then the strongest opinion is that she does not have to make up that prayer.

SOURCE:
Al-Fauzan, S. F. (Dr.). 2001. Rulings Pertaining To Muslim Women. Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Saudi Arabia.