ASHURA (Noah’s Pudding)
February , 2008

 

Niagara Foundation celebrates the Ashura (Noah's Pudding) tradition with the neighbors of Greater Chicago Area. To celebrate the diversity and intercultural partnership in the Greater Chicago Area, we share Ashura (Noah's Pudding) tradition with our friends at local religious temples, community centers, universities, colleges, shelters, hospitals and more...

 

What is Ashure ?

 

A fast-day among the Muslims observed on the tenth day of the month Muharram, and derived from the Jewish Day of Atonement, celebrated on the tenth of Tishri (Lev. xvi. 29, xxiii. 27).
The name is an Aramaic form of the Hebrew word "'Asor" (the tenth), still to be found in a liturgical poem for the Day of Atonement (M.Sachs, "Festgebete der Israeliten," 4th ed., pt. iv.88).

The Story of Ashure (Noah’s Pudding)

It was thousands of years ago, a thousand years after Adam. The Great Creator, because of His All- Compassion to them all and to all humanity, sent Noah.

Noah asked his people for 950 years to leave paganism, called them to the true way, the truth, believing in one God. But people teased him and called him crazy. Later his wife joined the pagans in their betrayal.

Noah suffered with his people for 800 years. One day God sent the Angel Gabriel to order Noah to build a ship. Inspired by God, Noah built the ship. God ordered him to take two of every creature, the believers, and his family, except his wife, in the vessel. Noah again told people about the flood, and warned them against it. But their response remained same.

The believers and animals boarded the ship and supplies were loaded. As all nonbelievers were drowning with their all vices, a long and hard journey was awaiting Noah and the believers, a long, tumultuous journey. Days had passed, and food was scarce. They were facing starvation.
No food by itself was enough to make a good meal. Noah gathered all the foods and, mixing them, obtained a delicious meal. Believers survived through famine. The very next day, flood receded. Today we call the meal Noah prepared "Noah’s Pudding".

Historical Significance

Ashoora is a day of great historical significance.
On this day:

• God accepted the repentance of Adam after his exile from Paradise • God saved Noah and his companions in the ark • God spoke directly to Moses and gave him the Commandments.

• On this same 10th of Muharram, Job was restored to health (from leprosy) • Yunus (pbuh) was taken out from the belly of the fish; • The sea was divided as the nation of Israel was delivered from captivity and Pharaoh's army was destroyed.

• Jesus was raised to Heavens

The Tradition Still Continues Today!

The making of ashure is a common practice among Muslim and Christian people in the Middle East.
In Turkey, it is customary to prepare ashure at a certain time of the year. Christian communities throughout the Middle East prepare a similar sweet wheat dish, called hedik, amah or qamhiyyi.
Ashura prepared at home is shared with the neighbors. Generally people who prepare ashure send a cup to each of the neighbors. One has responsibility of maintaining good relations with their neighbors regardless of what their religion or beliefs may be.

The Recipe

950 years old Recipe for Noah’s Pudding
(Makes 30 servings: for you and your neighbors)
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup wheat
1 cup white beans
1 cup garbanzo beans
1 cup raisins
1 cup almonds
3/4 cup peanuts
12 dried apricots
5 1/2 cups sugar water (enough to cover) topping:
walnuts, cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Soak wheat, white beans, garbanzo beans and almonds in water overnight.
2. Boil the above ingredients; remove the outer shell or skin.
3. Soak the raisins in boiling water until they soften.
4. Put all the ingredients above (steps 1-3) in a large pot and boil. Add peanuts and almonds (peeled and cut in half) at this point.
5. Chop the apricot into small pieces; add to mixture along with sugar.
6. Boil for 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy your pudding!