The mortal remains of the artist was brought from Madinah to Makkah after authorities at the Baqee Graveyard refused permission for burial.

The reason given by the authorities was that only people who die in Madinah are buried in Baqee. The body was taken from Jeddah, where he died, to Madinah in line with his last wishes and was accompanied by grieving relatives and admirers.

The relatives waited until sunset for permission from the Madinah authorities but their plea was rejected, Al-Bilad daily reported on Friday. The body was then taken to Makkah.

Shafiq composed music for a number of Talal Maddah and Muhammad Abdu songs.