Question

My cousin, who lived in Egypt, died before performing Hajj. His children asked me to perform Hajj on his behalf since I live in Jeddah. The costs of Hajj here start from 2,500 and go up to 4,000 Riyals. Should I choose the service that costs less with some hardship involved, or that which costs more but is more comfortable?

Fatwa

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

You should choose the one that would enable you to perform the rituals in a perfect way. If they are equal in this concern, then you should give preference to that which is more expensive over that which involves more hardship. According to the Sharee‘ah, one should not deliberately do what involves more hardship. However, if hardship accompanies acts of worship, then the person is rewarded according to the hardship he undergoes. This is based on the Hadeeth where the Messenger of Allah (may Allah exalt his mention), said: "Your reward is proportional to the hardship you go through". [Muslim]

You should assume Hajj on behalf of your deceased cousin from the Meeqaat (designated starting point for the rituals of Hajj) of those who come from Egypt, which is Al-Juhfah. However, as this place has been destroyed, the people now assume their Ihraam (ritual consecration) from Raabigh instead.

Allah Knows best.