^{If we never ask,
the answer will always be no.} 

Hello [HR/Benefits Team],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to ask about expanding investment access in our 401(k) so employees with faith-based investment needs can participate fully.

As a Muslim, my faith prohibits interest-based earnings (such as conventional bonds) and investing in certain industries, including conventional banking, alcohol, and gambling. Most standard fund lineups include these, so I can’t invest in our plan with confidence and may be missing out on the employer match.

I know plan changes take careful review, so here are two options, easiest first:

1. A self-directed brokerage window (such as Fidelity BrokerageLink). It gives every employee access to a wide range of funds without changing the core lineup or favoring any one group.
2. Longer term, Shariah-screened funds in the core lineup. Examples for your review include the Amana Funds: Amana Growth (AMAGX), Amana Income (AMANX), Amana Developing World (AMDWX), and Amana Participation (AMAPX, a sukuk fund) [and any other halal options you’d like them to consider]. I’m also open to comparable Shariah-screened funds of your choosing, subject to your review of fees, performance, and fiduciary requirements.

If this is the right channel, I’d appreciate this being reviewed as a religious accommodation request. If suitable options already exist in our plan, I’d be grateful for guidance on how to access them. Otherwise, I’d appreciate having this request forwarded to the appropriate benefits or retirement committee.

Thank you for your time. I’d be happy to share more information or talk through what’s feasible.

Best regards,
[Your Name]