What is the Sunnah when a Muslim enters a gathering? Does he greet everyone once, or does he greet each person individually and shake their hands?

The Shaykh : Every time he shakes a man's hand, he gives him a specific greeting. Which of the two meanings do you intend?

The questioner : I greet at the beginning, then I greet everyone.

The Shaykh : You greet at the beginning, then you greet everyone?

The questioner : I greet upon entering and upon shaking hands.

The Shaykh : This is a second form, meaning you give each person a greeting along with the handshake. This has no basis. The Sunnah, when you enter a gathering with people in it, is to offer the greeting once. If you want to do what is better, you shake their hands, because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), as some of the Companions said, "He never met us without shaking our hands." If the gathering is crowded, for example, and it is not easy to shake hands with each person individually, you are content with saying, once, "Peace be upon you." In any case, "Peace be upon you" is said once to the people of the gathering. As for shaking hands, it is for each person if it is possible, without a greeting.