What is the ruling on a father and mother asking for a specific sum of money after the mahr has been determined, in order to distribute it among relatives, and what is the ruling on relatives taking this money? Is it permissible for the father or mother to ask for it?

If the father and mother request an amount of money in excess of the mahr (dowry) and distribute it among relatives, this is considered part of the mahr and there is no harm in it, although it is better to avoid it to prevent any suspicion of greed. If separation occurs before consummation of the marriage, the husband or wife may claim half of the gifts that were given, because they take the ruling of the sadaq (bridal gift). As for what was given to relatives, if it was given as compensation or assistance, then they must return the compensation or the gift if the giver is not satisfied, based on the saying of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): "Whoever grants a gift, believing that he intended thereby a reward, then he may reclaim his gift if he is not pleased with it."