Arabic uses numerals ultimately derived from the Indian numeral system because both systems evolved from a shared origin in Indian mathematics during the early Middle Ages. These numerals, confusingly referred to as "Hindi" numerals in Arabic, gained widespread adoption throughout the Islamic world from the 9th century onwards and remain in use today in many parts of the Arab world.
Here's a breakdown of the relationship:
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Indian Origins: The foundation of both numeral systems lies in India. The concept of a decimal place value system, including the crucial number zero, originated there.
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Adoption and Adaptation: As the Islamic empire expanded, it encountered and adopted various intellectual advancements, including the Indian numeral system.
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Development of Two Branches: The Indian numerals were then adapted and evolved in two distinct forms:
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Eastern Arabic Numerals (often called "Hindi" numerals in Arabic): These are the numerals commonly used in most of the Arab world today (٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩).
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Western Arabic Numerals (what we know as "Arabic numerals"): These are the numerals that were transmitted to Europe and are used globally today (0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9).
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Continued Use: The Eastern Arabic (Hindi) numerals have persisted in the Arab world, representing a continuation of this historical exchange and adaptation of knowledge.
In essence, Arabic uses "Hindi" numerals because the numeral system has Indian origins, was adopted and adapted within the Islamic world, and that specific adaptation continues to be used.
