Sharing Noah’s pudding (aka Ashura) is a symbolic representation of the unity and essential relationship of humans to one another and to their Creator. Preparing the Noah’s pudding is a common practice among Muslim and Christian peoples around the Mediterranean region.
Observing this Middle Eastern tradition that celebrates the landing of Noah's ark, members and supporters of Affinity from various faith communities celebrated Noah's Pudding to be served to their neighbours and for guests and friends between December 21 to 27, 2009 (10th Muharram in the Islamic Calendar).
As a part of this annual event, which was announced as “Neighbourhood Day” by Affinity, not only were the distribution of 500 bowls of Noah’s pudding by Muslim families to their neighbours was coordinated, but also Affinity held an event at the Auburn Police and Auburn Council joint premises on Tuesday, 22nd of December at 3pm. This event was symbolic in that both Auburn Police and Council are neighbour’s of Affinity in Auburn.
Ashura is a day of great historical significances according to Islamic tradition. 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, Prophet Job was restored to health (from leprosy)
• Prophet Jonah 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.
Ashura is a fast-day among Muslims observed on the tenth day of the Islamic month Muharram, and derived from the Jewish Day of Atonement, celebrated on the tenth of Tishri (Lev. xvi. 29, xxiii. 27).
Affinity President Mr Saral with Auburn Mayor Mr Hicham Zreika
Mr Saral with Flemington LAC Superintendant Mr Brett Henderson
