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Fatwa CenterDistinguishing Menstrual and Non-Menstrual Bleeding in Relation to Fasting Validity
Question
I fasted 8 days after my period ended. During fast I get some bleeding red ish pink. My period is usually 7/8 days and I have a copper coil contraceptive which causes spotting throughout the month. I also got brown spotting 3 days leading up to my fast. I continued my fast and did not breaking it. The second day I fasted again, I got no blood until after maghrib then it stopped I didn’t bleed again. Does my first fast count?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
What we understand is that you see spots of blood throughout the month. Therefore, you are considered to be in a state of Istiḥāḍah (bleeding outside the time of monthly period).
Based on that, the duration of your menstruation is the same as your previous regular period before the Istiḥāḍah began. Once your regular menstrual days have ended, you should perform Ghusl (ritual bath), then make Wuḍū’ (ablution) for each obligatory prayer, and you are permitted to pray and fast. Your fasting is valid in this condition, even if you notice drops of blood during the day, because that is considered Istiḥāḍah.
However, if you do not have a previous regular period, then act according to Tamyeez (distinguishing menstrual blood from others). Meaning, whatever blood has the characteristics of menstruation -such as its colour, odour, and the pain that accompanies its flow - is considered menstrual blood. You must perform Ghusl after it stops, and then you may pray and fast. Lastly, during the days of Istiḥāḍah, you should make Wuḍū’ for each obligatory prayer as mentioned before, and your fasting during those days is valid.
Allah knows best.
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