like a clot; it is like pus mixed with a white substance and blood.
His statement, “During the time of the established pattern, it is menstruation,” means during its time. The apparent meaning of his words is that if these two occur before or after the time of the established pattern, they are not menstruation. This is one of the views on the issue. (1)
The second view is that they are not menstruation in any case, based on the statement of Umm ‘Atiyyah: “We did not regard turbid or yellowish discharge as anything.” Reported by al-Bukhari. (2) By her words, “as anything,” she meant anything constituting menstruation; she did not mean that it has no effect, for it undoubtedly invalidates ablution. The apparent meaning of her words is general.
The third view is that they are menstruation in all cases, because they issue from the womb and have a foul odor; thus, their ruling is that of menstruation.
The evidence cited for the author’s view is:
- What Abu Dawud narrated in the hadith of Umm ‘Atiyyah: “After purity, we did not regard yellowish or turbid discharge as anything.” (3) This qualification indicates that before purity, it is menstruation.