Islamic extremists might consider it auspicious to attack on the anniversary of the Battle of Badr, the 17th day of Ramadan. Muhammad and his army fought this battle against non-Islamic combatants in the face of overwhelming odds. It is considered to have laid the foundation for the Islamic State. In 2010, the 17th day of Ramadan is expected to be on 27 August.

Laylat al‑Qadr (“Night of Power”) also might be especially auspicious for a terrorist attack. Islamic tradition holds that on this night, rewards for deeds pleasing to Allah are magnified a thousandfold; extremists, in particular, believe that the gates of heaven are opened then for those who wage “jihad” in defense of Islam to enter paradise. While there is much debate, Islamic scholars generally agree that the most likely date for Laylat al-Qadr to occur each year is the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan—the anniversary of Allah’s first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad of the Qur‘an—which is expected to be the night of 6–7 September in 2010. However, many scholars believe that other likely dates for Laylat al-Qadr are the evenings of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, or 29th day of Ramadan. Some scholars teach that any of the last 10 evenings of Ramadan are potential dates for Laylat al‑Qadr.