A miscarried fetus

Q: I got married, became pregnant, and gave birth to a child, it was the first child. Five months later I became pregnant for the second time, but I miscarried in the fourth month and cast it in the drain of the bathroom out of my ignorance of Shari`ah (Islamic law) rulings. I hopefully wish that Your Eminence will clarify this issue and the consequent legal rulings, taking into consideration that I awfully regret what I have done and repent to Allah. Please, clarify this issue for me. May Allah reward you with the best!

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned in your question, and if the fetus was four months before it was miscarried, it should be washed, shrouded, and a Janazah (Funeral) Prayer should be offered over it because life was breathed into it at this period like any other creature.Throwing the fetus in the drain of the bathroom is a gross mistake for which you have to perform Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and ask Allah for forgiveness. Moreover, you have to make sure of any religious matter by asking scholars.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.