Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) greet when he ascended the pulpit for the Friday sermon?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to greet those present when he ascended the minbar. This is confirmed in Sunan Ibn Majah from Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him. Al-Bayhaqi mentioned in As-Sunan Al-Kubra that when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, approached his minbar, he would greet those seated, and when he ascended the minbar, he would face the people and then greet them. Imam Shafi'i and Imam Ahmad considered this to be recommended, while Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik disliked it. The first opinion is more preponderant due to the strength of its evidence.