Turkish Cultural Center Queens

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 ASHURA
(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

Ashura 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, Jokab 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

PROPHET MUHAMMED (P.B.U.H) HAS SUGGESTED:

Worship Allah as much as you can on ‘Ashura.
•    Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life.
•    Whoever clothes a naked person Allah will release him from a painful punishment.
•    He who visits a sick person, Allah will grant him a reward that will not be decreased.
•    Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate).

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. Ashure 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: Turkish Cultural Center Queens
43-49 45th Street Sunnyside, NY 11104
Phone : 718 482 82 63
Fax      : 718 482 82 33
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Web    : www.tccqueens.org