The disaster struck as Muslims around the country were celebrating Eid-al-Abha – marking the end of the Hajj.
Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) Director Ahmad Malas said the community was still coming to terms with the tragedy.
“People are very disheartened and feeling for the families of those that’ve passed away,” he said.
“Especially at this time of Eid, our celebration – it’s a joyous occasion.
“Then for us to hear such news, people have been quite surprised and upset by this, so we’re remembering the families of casualties in our prayers.”
Around 3000 Australians made the pilgrimage to Mecca this year, but a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said all are believed to be safe.
Mr Malas said the LMA was calling on the Saudi government to provide better safety for pilgrims in Mecca.
“We’re actually waiting to see what measures the government is going to take to ensure that these instances don’t occur again,” he said.
Former Muslims Australia President Iqbal Patel made the pilgrimage to Hajj three years ago.
He said the crowd of up to four million can be almost impossible to control.
“People go about their things very peacefully and orderly – until, of course, panic sets in,” he said.
“When you have an event, whether it’s a religious event or a sporting event, when panic sets in, then it’s something that can get out of control very, very quickly.
“To try and pin the blame… sure, more can be done by the authorities in Saudi Arabia. I personally believe they have done quite a lot.”
Mr Patel said that despite the risks, Muslims around the world would continue to make the yearly pilgrimage.
“Hajj is the ultimate pilgrimage… and if it means that as part of doing that requirement of being a Muslim, you have an unfortunate incident where someone might lose their life, that’s the ultimate sacrifice.
“Many Muslims do talk about that if we had to die, then at Mecca would be a blessing.
“In Islam, there is a very strong saying that ‘From God we have come and to God we will go back’.
“If it so happens that we have lost someone dear to us, then the best we can do is pray for them.”
Families struggling to reach relatives in Saudi Arabia can contact Foreign Affairs' hotline on 1300 555 135.
