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.
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
• 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
• 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.
There are various recipes, but the essential ingredients are: wheat, rice, sugar, nuts, dried fruit, beans, raisins and sesame seeds. All the ingredients are boiled together until they reach a thick porridge-like consistency. This dessert is served cold.
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