Fwd: Hiding in plain sight
Moyez Kamani
Building blocks of modern thought
Picture this: 1,200 years ago, scholars in Baghdad were solving problems that power our smartphones today. Long before Silicon Valley algorithms or climate models, Muslim mathematicians during the Islamic Golden Age—from the 8th to 13th centuries—laid crucial foundations that continue to shape our world.
“Think of maths today as a giant puzzle, each piece a discovery or an innovation, all fitted together,” explains Nadeem Hirji, Mathematics Lead Practitioner at the Aga Khan Schools. “While the Greeks laid crucial foundations, the contributions of Muslims during the Islamic Golden Age were transformative.”
The very word ‘algebra’ derives from the Arabic al-jabr, meaning ‘reunion of broken parts,’ coined by the Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi. His systematic approach to solving equations transformed maths from mere description into a powerful analytical method. More than abstract theorising, Al-Khwarizmi’s work emerged from practical needs like inheritance laws and trade calculations, proving that real-world problems can drive intellectual breakthroughs.
Building on this practical foundation, Muslim scholars like Al-Battani revolutionised trigonometry, developing sine, cosine, and tangent functions while creating accurate astronomical tables for navigation and tracking celestial bodies.
Meanwhile, says Nadeem, “the concept of zero and decimal fractions, refined through Islamic scholarship, became the numerical backbone for architectural marvels like Alhambra with its sophisticated water management systems.”
For astronomers, precise trigonometric calculations enabled more accurate calendars and improved navigation for trade routes. In architecture and engineering, geometric mastery led to complex domes, intricate patterns, and ingenious mechanical devices like water clocks. These ancient innovations laid the groundwork for today’s mathematical applications, which touch every aspect of our lives.
The mathematics of daily life
“Whether we love it or hate it, maths impacts us in our daily lives—without it, modern technology would not exist,” says Nadeem. “It provides the language, the logic, and the tools to build, optimise, analyse, and secure the technologies that shape our world.”
Algorithms (coming from the name Al-Khwarizmi) are detailed mathematical instructions, which power everything from Google searches to social media feeds to AI systems that handle vast datasets and recognise patterns. Cybersecurity, which protects our increasingly digital lives, depends entirely on advanced number theory and algebra.
Beyond these high-tech applications, we use mathematical thinking more than we realise.
When choosing between a cashback credit card and one with an annual fee, we're conducting cost-benefit analysis. Scaling a recipe down from four servings to two involves ratios and proportions. Even deciding to walk diagonally across a park instead of following the L-shaped path is an intuitive application of Pythagoras’ theorem.
This same problem-solving mindset becomes essential for addressing today’s biggest problems, Nadeem explains.
“Climate change, for example, isn't something many of us ‘feel.’ It's a statistical fact understood through models that analyse vast amounts of data—temperature changes, CO2 levels, sea-level rise. Once we understand the problems through data, we can quantify the crisis, predict future scenarios, and plan solutions like renewable energy placement and smart grids to minimise waste.”
Yet despite mathematics’ clear importance, many people still struggle with it.
Shifting the narrative
Mathematics continues to intimidate many people, while others question its value beyond the classroom. Nadeem identifies a major contributing factor—the fear of failure.
“Unlike some other subjects, maths is a ‘right or wrong’ subject. For some, it can feel high stakes—making a mistake and being wrong or failing, in a world where image means so much to people, drives this fear.”
This binary nature, combined with poor early experiences and negative cultural messaging, can create lasting anxiety. A solution might lie in reframing maths education.
“We need to make students feel ‘successful.’” suggests Nadeem. “My mentor once shared a quote that really struck home when thinking of how to engage students in maths: ‘Success breeds motivation, motivation does not breed success.’”
Maths anxiety isn’t permanent. Simple changes can change how people feel about numbers. By offering opportunities for small victories and emphasising learning from mistakes rather than avoiding them, educators can help students develop confidence and resilience.
“To truly change the public perception, we need to make the everyday obvious,” he adds. “Mathematics integration into shopping, cooking, personal finance, and decision-making should be highlighted as learning opportunities rather than hidden obstacles.”
The rise of artificial intelligence makes this crucial. While real life may seem removed from classroom experiences, the core skills needed today—processing information, interpretation, and problem-solving—remain directly relevant to navigating an increasingly data-driven world.
Ultimately, maths is humanity’s universal language—it works the same way in Seoul, São Paulo, or Stockholm. This universality becomes crucial, since global challenges require coordinated responses and cross-cultural collaboration.
The legacy of Islamic Golden Age mathematicians reminds us that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives tackle practical problems. Their contributions—from algebra to trigonometry to numerical systems—continue shaping everything from smartphone technology to space exploration.
Begin forwarded message:
Date: September 29, 2025 at 2:56:59 PM EDT
To: Moyez Kamani <moyez....@gmail.com>
Subject: Hiding in plain sight