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New World Encyclopedia integrates facts with values. Written by certified experts.

Featured Article: Jihad

Jihad is an Islamic term referring to the religious duty of Muslims to strive, or “struggle” in ways related to Islam, both for the sake of internal, spiritual growth, and for the defense and expansion of Islam in the world. The word jihad appears frequently in the Qur’an, often in the idiomatic expression "striving in the way of God," to refer to the act of striving to serve the purposes of God on this earth.

Popular Article: Harpy

A medieval depiction of a Harpy as a bird-woman

Harpy is the singular form for the mythical creatures called Harpies in Greek mythology, winged-beasts that were sent down by Zeus to punish, most famously the prophet Phineus, leading them to be referred to as "the hounds of Zeus." While Harpies may occasionally be used in popular culture today, they are most widely remembered for their part in the legendary adventures of Jason and the Argonauts.

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General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, is commonly viewed as signifying the end of the American Civil War (source: Robert E. Lee)

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