In 11 May 2019, in an interview in Week magazine, Zakir Naik harshly criticized Narendra Modi and the BJP for false charges and propaganda against him for political purposes, and said that he is targeted for his popularity. Further, he stated that he would not return to India while Modi remained in power, according to the example of the prophet Muhammad in Hijrah.[125] He also described Modi and the BJP as dangerous for Indian Muslims' security, labelling him a "liar" and the "number one terrorist of India according to Google." He also invited Modi to take part in a debate with him about Hinduism.[126] In 2016, Naik had praised Narendra Modi, saying, "I am totally for him" because he was the first prime minister of India to have visited so many Muslim-majority countries.[127]