Millions of Muslims are embarking on the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia Friday.
They are making their way to the Mina section of Mecca, beginning three days of the last Hajj ritual of Stoning the Devil.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, which enlist followers to make the journey to the birthplace of Islam at least one time if possible.
Saudi officials are said to have improved conditions for the throng of people, including adding cameras, to better monitor crowd levels.
Six years ago, more than 340 people died in a stampede at a Hajj site.
Muslims Take Part in the Hajj
1/14Muslim pilgrims cast stones at a pillar, symbolizing the stoning of Satan, in a ritual called "Jamarat," a rite of the annual Hajj, the Islamic faith's most holy pilgrimage, in Mina near the Saudi holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Oct. 26, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
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2/14Youssef, 3, a Muslim pilgrim from Egypt walks with his grandfather to casts stones at a pillar near the Saudi holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 26, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
3/14A Muslim pilgrim has his head ritually shaved after he cast stones at a pillar in Mina near the Saudi holy city of Mecca, October 26, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
4/14Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the early hours of October 25, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
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5/14Muslim pilgrims pray near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 25, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
6/14Crowds bow in prayer outside the mosque of the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 25, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
7/14Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba to pray inside the Grand mosque in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 23, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
8/14A man carries a sheep through a livestock market in Sanaa, October 24, 2012. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha to mark the end of the Hajj by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
9/14A boy dances with a sheep at a livestock market ahead of Eid al-Adha festival in Sanaa, October 24, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
10/14Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 23, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
11/14Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 23, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
12/14A Muslim pilgrim shops in a gold market in Mecca, October 23, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
13/14Muslim pilgrims leave the Grand mosque after the noon prayer in Mecca, October 22, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
Show moreShow less
14/14Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Grand mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, October 22, 2012.
Millions of Muslims are taking part in the final phase of their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who came to Mecca earlier this week are now taking part in the ritual stoning of the devil.
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