ISLAMABAD: The perfect message of Islam has been systematically distorted over the decades and we need to seek inspiration from Iqbal to correct the distortions and restore the peaceful, progressive and egalitarian image of Islam. This has been stated by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari in a message on the 78th death anniversary of Allama Iqbal falling today (Thursday). He said, “This indeed is the best way to pay tributes to our poet philosopher”. He said that on his death anniversary let us reiterate our resolve not to allow anyone to exploit religion and misinterpret it for foisting their political agendas. The former president said Allama Iqbal believed that the religion is a living and dynamic force that needed to be continuously interpreted. He called upon the people to assert themselves in reinterpreting religious thought. He said that in memory of Iqbal, let us dedicate ourselves to free inquiry, discussion and debate as preached by him so as to understand the true message of religion on this day adding that “We should refuse to blindly follow the dogmatic and archaic interpretations of religion.