What is the ruling on a father taking 5,000 Saudi Riyals from his daughter's dowry (mahr), knowing that he spent most of the amount on the wedding ceremony and paid off remaining debts?

The guardian of the fiancée should not say: "I have received the dowry," when he has not yet received it, in order to avoid lying and potential problems. As for the guardian taking something from his daughter's dowry for himself, there is a difference of opinion among scholars; some, like Imam Shafi'i, absolutely forbade it, while others, like Imam Ahmad, permitted it if the father stipulated it, but not other guardians. If the suitor gifts the excess amount to the guardian, he is permitted to take it. However, if he gifts it to the fiancée, it is her right, and the father is not allowed to take anything from it except with her full consent. If the fiancée gifts it to him, he is permitted to take it. If the guardian (father) stipulated this excess amount for himself, it is permissible according to the most preponderant opinion. It is good for the couple to forgive the guardian and overlook it, or to be gentle with him regarding repayment if he spent most of the amount to complete the marriage ceremony.