Medieval friars already clashed over discreet conversion work versus provocative martyrdom

Evidence

To better serve their needs, the friars should be unobtrusive, not only avoiding provoking the Muslims but also abandoning their Franciscan habit and letting their beards and hair grow, the better to circulate unnoticed and cater to the spiritual needs of the Christian community. … The strident provocation of those in search of martyrdom can only make their work more difficult. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1112

Categorization

• XREF: Prefigures the modern split between quietist interfaith accommodation and strident confrontation that animates Anidjar/Aziz on Islam-West relations.