Mursala

Mursala is a term with multiple uses across different contexts. In Islamic hadith studies, mursala (derived from the Arabic root meaning “to send” or “to dispatch”) denotes a type of report in which a link in the chain of transmission is missing. Specifically, a mursala narrates a saying or action as coming directly from the Prophet without naming the intermediary companion who transmitted it to the reporter. Because the chain is not fully connected, mursala is generally treated with caution in traditional hadith grading; some scholars accept it under certain conditions, while others classify it as weak unless corroborated by other evidence.

Etymologically, mursala comes from the Arabic verb to send or dispatch, and the participial form refers to something that has been sent forth or delivered. In linguistic and religious usage, the term emphasizes a direct transmission from source to listener, bypassing an intermediate link.

Beyond scholarly usage, mursala also appears as a proper name in some Muslim-majority regions. It can be found as a given name, a surname, or part of place names in various countries. The specific significance or spelling can vary by language and culture.

In summary, mursala most often appears in two main senses: a technical term in hadith criticism describing a broken chain of narration, and a broader term used as a name or toponym in different locales. The intended meaning depends on the context in which it is used.