Meaning
To compose a written message, usually on paper.
Cultural Background
The 'Risāla' is often used as a title for famous books or treatises, such as 'Al-Risāla' by Imam Al-Shafi'i, which founded Islamic jurisprudence. In songs, 'writing a letter' is a major theme of longing (Shawq). Fairuz, the famous singer, has many songs about letters sent and received. Egyptians often use the word 'Gawab' (Answer) to mean a letter. This comes from the idea that a letter is often an answer to a previous one. In Morocco, 'Maktūb' is the standard word for a letter in Darija, whereas 'Risāla' is reserved for formal or religious contexts.
Use 'ila' for people
Always use the preposition 'إلى' (ila) when you mention the person you are writing to.
Don't confuse with 'Maktub'
While 'Maktub' means letter in some dialects, in MSA it usually means 'destiny' or 'written'.
Meaning
To compose a written message, usually on paper.
Use 'ila' for people
Always use the preposition 'إلى' (ila) when you mention the person you are writing to.
Don't confuse with 'Maktub'
While 'Maktub' means letter in some dialects, in MSA it usually means 'destiny' or 'written'.
Digital vs Paper
If you want to be specific about an email, say 'Risāla ilikturuniyya'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to write' (Present tense, He).
أبي ___ رسالة إلى جدي.
The subject 'أبي' (My father) is masculine singular, so we use 'يَكْتُبُ'.
Which sentence means 'I wrote a letter'?
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
'كَتَبْتُ' is the first-person singular past tense.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are standard collocations related to writing.
Complete the dialogue.
سارة: ماذا تفعلين؟ ليلى: ____ رسالة لصديقتي.
Laila is speaking about herself, so she uses the 'I' form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Paper vs Digital
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأبي ___ رسالة إلى جدي.
The subject 'أبي' (My father) is masculine singular, so we use 'يَكْتُبُ'.
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
'كَتَبْتُ' is the first-person singular past tense.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard collocations related to writing.
سارة: ماذا تفعلين؟ ليلى: ____ رسالة لصديقتي.
Laila is speaking about herself, so she uses the 'I' form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the most common way to say you are sending a WhatsApp message.
The plural is 'Rasā'il' (رَسَائِل).
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
You say 'أَكْتُبُ رِسَالَةً إِلِكْتُرُونِيَّةً'.
Yes, in a modern context, it is the standard translation for 'to text'.
The root is K-T-B (ك-ت-ب), which relates to all things writing.
No, for a book use 'Yaktub Kitab'.
Only if you stop on the word; otherwise, it sounds like a 't' (Risālat...).
It is 'Risālat Hub' (رِسَالَةُ حُبٍّ).
You say 'Katabtu' (كَتَبْتُ).
Related Phrases
يُرْسِلُ رِسَالَة
similarTo send a message
يَسْتَلِمُ رِسَالَة
contrastTo receive a message
رِسَالَةٌ نَصِّيَّة
specialized formText message
بَرِيدٌ إِلِكْتُرُونِيّ
similarصَاحِبُ الرِّسَالَة
builds onThe one with a mission
