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A sharing of our culture, a symbol of unity, and a gift
of friendship
NOAH'S PUDDING ASHURA
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As a proactive Cultural
Association we distribute Noah’s Pudding every year. The
making of Noah’s Pudding is a common practice among
Muslims and Christians in the Middle East. It is the
symbol of sharing joy – the joy of Noah’s landing, the
joy of Moses’ crossing the Red Sea, and God’s
bestowments to many other Prophets.
In Turkey, people cook Noah’s Pudding every year.
Christian communities throughout the Middle East prepare
a similar sweet dish, called hedik, amah, or qamhiyyi.
Having cooked Noah’s Pudding at home send a bowl of it
to each of their neighbors. Because, one has the
responsibility to maintain good relations with their
neighbors regardless of what their religion or beliefs
may be. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon
him) said: “The Archangel Gabriel counseled me so
frequently regarding the rights of neighbors that I was
afraid the neighbor would be declared an heir as well”.
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| The Story of Noah’s Pudding
(Ashura) |
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It was thousands of years ago that a
community was again on the threshold of a catastrophe.
This community had abandoned worshipping one God and
started to commit all kinds of sins including adultery.
The Prophet Noah called this community to the true way
of believing in one God for 950 years, but they teased
him and called him crazy. Later, even his wife joined
the unbelievers in their betrayal. Noah suffered with
his people for 800 years, but he remained sincere in his
faith in the Lord. Then, one day, God sent the Angel
Gabriel to Noah to warn about a coming flood and to
order him to build a ship. Noah built the ship and God
ordered him to take a couple from each of the creatures,
all of the believers, and his family with the exception
of his wife. Once again, Noah warned his people and told
them about the flood, but they kept denying him.
Finally, the supplies were loaded and the believers and
animals boarded the ship. Then God ordered to the sky,
"O sky! Let your water pour down." and He ordered to the
earth, "O earth, hold your water." The water began to
rise. As all of the nonbelievers were drowning along
with their vices, a long and tumultuous journey started
for Noah and the believers.
Days passed. Food became scarce. They were facing
starvation. None of the remaining food ingredients was
sufficient to make a decent meal, so Noah gathered all
of them and mixed producing a delicious meal.
As a result, the believers survived the famine, and the
very next day, the flood receded. Today we call the meal
that Noah prepared "Noah's Pudding" or "Ashura."
Every year people cook Noah’s Pudding in remembrance of
Noah and God's mercy on him and on the believers.
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| Historical Significance |
Ashura is a day of great historical
significance. Because God granted His special offerings
to 10 prophets on this day:
• God created heavens and worlds.
• God accepted the repentance of Adam after his exile
from Paradise.
• God saved Noah and his companions.
• God spoke directly to Moses and gave him the
Commandments.
• Jonah was saved from the stomach of the fish.
• The sea split apart to let the
ren of Israel pass and joined back to destroy Pharaoh’s
army.
• Jesus was born and raised to the heavens.
• Job was restored to health.
• Fire did not burn Abraham.
• Solomon was granted his kingdom.
• Joseph was rescued from the well.
• Jacob and Joseph rejoined.
• God raised Enoch to the heavens.
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The Tradition Still Continues!
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The making of ashura is a common
practice among Muslims and Christians in the Middle
East.
In Turkey, people cook ashura at a certain time of the
year. Christian communities throughout the Middle East
prepare a similar sweet dish, called hedik, amah, or
qamhiyyi.
People who cook ashura at home send a cup of it to each
of their neighbors. Because, one has the responsibility
to maintain good relations with their neighbors
regardless of what their religion or beliefs may be.
(Peace be upon the Prophets mentioned in this text)
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The Recipe
Thousands of 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 chickpeas
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
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Preparation:
1. Soak wheat, white beans, chickpeas, and almonds in
water overnight.
2. Boil the above ingredients (step 1) and remove their
outer shells or skin.
3. Soak the raisins in boiling water until they soften.
4. Put the above ingredients (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 and add to the
mixture along with sugar.
6. Boil for 10-15 minutes.
7. Enjoy your pudding!
* These are the ingredients we chose. Feel free to
experiment with other grains, fruits, and nuts. |
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