Is ornamentation of a sword's handle (halilah) permissible?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Beverages (Intoxicants)
Primary text
Ornamentation applied to the handle of a sword is permissible. This is established because it has been reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, had a jeweled sword, and concerning sword adornment in general, the permissibility extends to the pommel (qab'iha) and analogous items such as the ornamentation of armor, helmets, greaves, and other similar equipment because they are similar in function and meaning. The ruling on the handle being permissible is based on textual reports and analogy.
Supporting text
Regarding metallic parts of personal items, such as the silver ring of a mirror or the head of an kohl container, it is disliked if the item is frequently used, like the mirror, because the mirror is lifted by its ring.