Her father is asking her for some of her dowry
Question

                A girl is engaged to be married, and her father has asked her to give him some of the mahr (dowry). Should she give it to him?
Praise be to Allah.
    Yes, she may give her father some of the dowry, if he is in 
    need, and giving it is better. If he is not in need, then it is o.k, if she 
    gives him whatever she wants, because she is free and of sound mind, and she 
    can dispose of it as she wishes.