Prompt why do you think there is so much controversy over whether figures are allowed in islamic art? some say they are as long as it is not idolatry, while others say it is prohibited? what is your opinion on the subject? explain your answer.

This is because of the idea of iconoclasm. The idea is that it is idolatry to draw paintings or similar things of saints or prophets because you would be praying to a statue or a painting instead of the idea of the spirit and the prophet themselves which is why it is idolatry. It used to be common even in the Christian world.