What is the status of a mursal hadith, and can it be used as evidence, including the mursal narrations of Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib?

Summary

A mursal hadith is defined here as a narration of a tabi'i directly from the Prophet, peace be upon him. Scholars differ: one view accepts it as evidence if the narrator who omitted the link is trustworthy and upright, while the second view treats it as weak. This article leans towards the second view because the chain is broken, and the ruling stands unless another supporting report strengthens it. Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib's mursal reports are discussed separately, and Imam Ahmad's statement that they are sound is explained as meaning they can be used as evidence because they have various supports.

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