Fiqh of Miscarried Fetus

Answered by Ustadha Shaista Maqbool

Question: If a woman miscarries, how far into the pregnancy does she have to be for the fetus to have a janazah prayer? Does that include a ghusl?

Answer: Wa’alaikum assalaam warahamtu Allah,

The janazah prayer is only performed on the baby that is born and shows some signs of life, e.g.crying, moving, breathing, etc. Other than this, the janazah prayer is not performed.

A fetus that is miscarried when some of its parts are discernible e.g. a finger, nail, hair, etc.,  (regardless of whether it’s formation is complete or not): it is named, washed, wrapped in a cloth, and buried. However, the janazah prayer is not performed.

wasalaam,
Shaista Maqbool

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani