If the imam recites the opening supplication, should he use the singular or the plural form?

The questioner : Regarding the imam in his capacity as the one leading on behalf of the followers or in their name, should the form in the opening supplication be singular or plural?

The Shaykh : In which prayer?

The questioner : In congregational prayer, when the imam recites...

The Shaykh : What is the opening supplication you mean?

The questioner : I mean the opening supplication in the prayer.

The Shaykh : What is it?

The questioner : For example, "Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise, and blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god but You."

The Shaykh : Is that in the supplication?

The questioner : Or, "O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the East from the West."

The Shaykh : Fine, that is the supplication.

The questioner : Yes, do...

The Shaykh : Listen, listen, may Allah guide you. I understand your question. Do you know whether the legitimacy of this supplication is established with the singular or the plural form?

The questioner : The singular.

The Shaykh : Okay, and the Messenger, whom you know used to supplicate, did he supplicate with the singular or the plural form?

The questioner : Yes, with the singular.

The Shaykh : So, what is the point of this question?

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good, and may you be well, may you be well.

The Shaykh : Connecting?

The questioner : May you be well.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : Welcome.

The questioner : Okay, but one final inquiry.

The Shaykh : Yes.