What is the ruling regarding the child of Zina (unlawful sexual intercourse)? Is it permissible for a person to verify their lineage? Are they responsible for them for life? And what is the expiation?

The majority of scholars hold that the child born out of wedlock is attributed only to his mother, even if there is a resemblance between him and the fornicator. This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The child is for the bed, and for the fornicator is the stone." The fornicator is not obligated to ascertain if the child is his or to bear responsibility for him. Rather, he must conceal himself, repent sincerely, and keep away from adultery, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever commits any of these abominable deeds, let him conceal himself with the covering of Allah." And Allah Almighty said: "Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous deeds; for them Allah will change their evil deeds into good ones."