• Pilgrimage destination for Muslims.
• Home to the Kaaba.

Tips

Mecca is the most common answer for this type of clue, especially when the word count is five letters.

2. Medina (6 Letters)

Medina is the second holiest city in Islam, after Mecca. It is where Prophet Muhammad emigrated during the Hijra and established the first Islamic state. Medina is home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet’s Mosque, which houses Muhammad's tomb.

Clue Variants

• City of the Prophet.
• Islamic sanctuary city.

Tips

Medina is the answer for clues requiring six letters, often paired with references to the Prophet Muhammad.

3. Jerusalem (9 Letters)

Known as Al-Quds in Arabic, Jerusalem is Islam’s third holiest city, after Mecca and Medina. It is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven during the Isra and Mi'raj.

Clue Variants

• Third-holiest city in Islam.
• Home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Tips

This answer is less frequent but may appear in more challenging crossword puzzles.

4. Karbala (7 Letters)

Karbala is a major holy city for Shia Muslims. It is the site of the Battle of Karbala (680 CE), where Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred. His shrine is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Ashura.

Clue Variants

• Shia Muslim holy site.
• City associated with Ashura.

Tips

Karbala often appears in crosswords focused on Shia Islam.

5. Najaf (5 Letters)

Najaf, also revered in Shia Islam, is the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf is one of the most important Shia pilgrimage destinations.

Clue Variants

• Burial site of Imam Ali.
• Shia holy city in Iraq.

Tips

This answer is less common but may appear in crosswords with regional or sectarian themes.

How to Approach the Clue

When solving the “Islamic holy city” crossword clue, follow these steps to narrow down your options:

1. Check the Number of Letters

The length of the answer is crucial in identifying the correct city. Use the crossword grid to determine whether the answer requires 5, 6, 7, or more letters.

2. Look for Contextual Hints

Many crossword clues provide subtle hints to guide you. Words like “pilgrimage,” “prophet,” “shrine,” or “Kaaba” can help you identify the specific city.

3. Cross-Check with Other Clues

Use intersecting words in the grid to confirm your answer. For example, if the first letter is “M,” Mecca and Medina become strong candidates.

Fun Facts to Enhance Your Knowledge

• Mecca’s Exclusivity: Only Muslims are allowed to enter Mecca.
• Hijra Significance: Medina became the first Islamic state after Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijra) in 622 CE.
• Al-Quds (Jerusalem): Its name means “The Holy” in Arabic, reflecting its status as a sacred city for Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Conclusion

The clue “Islamic holy city” is not only a test of vocabulary but also an opportunity to explore the spiritual and historical depth of Islamic culture. Whether the answer is Mecca, Medina, or another sacred city, knowing their significance can enrich your crossword-solving experience. Keep this guide handy the next time you encounter this clue, and you’ll fill in the blanks with confidence!