Shaykh Muqbil ibn Hādī al-Wādiʿī explains the ruling on kissing and fondling one’s wife while fasting. He highlights the example of the Prophet ﷺ, who kissed his wives during Ramaḍān, and states that it is permissible unless one fears it will lead to intercourse, in which case it must be avoided.
What is the ruling one fondling and kissing ones wife, without having intercourse [whilst fasting]?
ʿĀʾisha said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷻ used to kiss (his wife) in Ramaḍān..” and she said, “Which one of you can control his desire?” Likewise Umm Salamah and ʿĀʾisha said that the Prophet ﷺ used to kiss them [whilst fasting], and ʿĀ’isha said, “which one of you can control his desire? Certainly the Prophet ﷺ had most power to control his desires from the people”. Is the Mother of the believers [the wife of the Prophet ﷺ] the most controlling of her desires or not [of course she is]?! That which is apparent is that there is no problem [in doing so], however if a person fears falling into intercourse, then it is obligatory on him to abandon do so.
