38 Across

NYT Daily ? September 12, 2025

Things left at the entrance of a mosque

Answer:

SHOES

Hint:

Before entering many sacred spaces, these are often removed as a sign of respect and cleanliness—think of what you step out of daily.

Explanation:

In many mosques, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering as a sign of respect and cleanliness. The clue plays on this common practice, directly pointing to the items people leave at the entrance. The answer "SHOES" fits because it’s what worshippers typically take off and set aside before stepping inside. No wordplay here—just a straightforward reference to Islamic cultural norms.

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General solving tip

Short grid glue often mirrors map or address abbreviations (ENE, AVE, ST). If the clue looks abbreviated, the answer probably is too.

More tips → General Hints