The ruling on shaking hands when entering upon a group of people who are sitting

Question:
When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) entered upon his Companions while they were sitting, did he shake hands with them, or did he greet them and then sit wherever the gathering ended?

Answer:
He would sit wherever the gathering ended, (peace and blessings be upon him).
Q: And shaking hands?
A: It has not reached us that the Companions would stand up for him when he entered; rather, they would shake hands with one another when they met, and he would sit wherever the gathering ended, (peace and blessings be upon him).
Q: The hadith regarding shaking hands?
A: It is a recommended practice (sunnah); when they shake hands, it is a recommended practice. However, it has not reached us that they would stand up and shake hands with him, because that might impose a heavy burden.