The city is closed to non-Muslims, but image sharing app Snapchat allowed users to take in the event as it unfolded on Monday, the significant night of Laylatul Qadr.

Laylatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed and is celebrated on one of the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan.

Millions of Muslims travelled to Makkah, with Snapchat documenting the event with the hashtag #Mecca_Live.

The hashtag was soon trending on Twitter with users praising Snapchat for its innovative story.

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Social media users also praised Snapchat’s role in giving many a different view of the Muslim world.

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One account operating under the name Leah described Makkah as “inspiring”.

“Media made me blind to what Islam had to offer,” she said.

“#mecca_live shows how you are all 1 big family. I want to learn about more Islam.”  SBS