New Ziraat Vice President in North America

Dear Companions on the Path,

I am writing to let you know that after many years of inspired and inspiring service as North American Dar as-Salam, or Vice President of Ziraat, Kainat Felicia Norton is now stepping down. By God’s grace, Kainat has seen to fruition an abundant crop of living grain, and we know that her work on the farm will continue in myriad ways, seen and unseen. Please join me in conveying deep gratitude to Kainat on behalf of our entire movement. Please join me, also, in welcoming the incoming North American Dar as-Salam, Wali Via. An experienced organic farmer and sagacious friend of Nature, Wali has the sincere confidence of myself and all those who know and esteem him as he takes up his task.

Yours ever,
Pir Zia

Wali Via is the incoming Vice President of Ziraat in North America. He is an Inayatiyya Senior Teacher and has been treading the Sufi path since 1978. Wali is currently the president of the Eugene Sufi Council, the coordinating body of Eugene’s multi-order center. He guides retreats on his farm in Oregon’s Coast Range.

Wali retired from a career in farming in 2016. Winter Green Farm continues to offer a diverse range of products utilizing certified organic and biodynamic methods. Wali has practiced biodynamic agriculture for 45 years and has held multiple leadership positions within the biodynamic agriculture movement. When not Sufi-engaged, he can be found hiking in the wilderness with his partner or playing with his grandchildren.