The Rub-el-Hizb (, ), also known as the Islamic Star, is an Islamic symbol. It is in the shape of an octagram, represented as two overlapping squares. It has been found on a number of emblems and flags. The main purpose of this dividing system is to facilitate the recitation of the Quran. Etymology In Arabic, rubʻ means "one-fourth" or "quarter," while ḥizb (plural aḥzāb) translates to "a group." Initially, it was used in the Quran, which is divided into 60 aḥzāb (groups of roughly equal length); Rubʿ el Hizb further divides each ḥizb in four. A ḥizb is one half of a juz'. History Investigations have shown that the Rub el Hizb symbol was originated from ancient petroglyphs in the Arabian desert. The symbol in question, consisting of two concentric circles with a defined punctual center, connected by eight radial sectors, is similar to the Islamic symbol when the two lines of the East-West orientation are combined, thus resulting in a hexagon with a circular symmetry. Contemporary use Former flags The first country to use the Rubʾ el-Hizb was the Marinid Sultanate in 1258. Current flags Emblems Variants See also Sujud References Star symbols Islamic terminology Islamic symbols