What is the difference between adorning books of knowledge with gold, silver, and gilding, and what is the ruling on adorning the Mushaf?

The jurists differed on the ruling regarding the ornamentation and gilding of the Mushaf (Qur'an) and books of knowledge, but they agreed that ornamentation refers to attaching pieces of gold or silver, and gilding refers to coating them with gold or silver.

Most jurists permitted ornamenting the Mushaf but not gilding it, because gilding involves wasting money.

The Shafi'is held that it is permissible to ornament the Mushaf with silver absolutely, and with gold for women but not for others. They prohibited gilding it with both absolutely. As for ornamenting other books with gold or silver, it is unanimously forbidden.

The Malikis permitted ornamenting the Mushaf with gold and silver only on its outer cover. They prohibited ornamenting books other than the Mushaf.

The Hanafis permitted ornamenting the Mushaf with gold and silver to glorify it.

The Hanbalis disliked ornamenting the Mushaf with gold or silver and prohibited writing it with gold.

In summary, the scholars permitted ornamenting the Mushaf but not gilding it. They prohibited gilding it due to extravagance. They permitted ornamenting only the Mushaf, not other books, due to its great sanctity.