What is the ruling on a husband fondling his wife and engaging in intercourse without ejaculation during the daytime and nighttime hours of Ramadan, and throughout the days of the year? And what are the consequences for the spouses in this situation, given that the act was committed out of ignorance?

A fasting person's intercourse during the day in Ramadan has two scenarios:

The first: Ignorance of the ruling, such as someone who believes that intercourse without ejaculation is not forbidden. This person is not liable for anything, based on the verse: "Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake."

The second: Ignorance of the penalty, such as someone who knows that intercourse is forbidden but does not know about expiation. This person is liable for expiation, because ignorance of the penalty is not an excuse.

As for someone who had intercourse but did not perform ghusl (ritual bathing), their fast is valid, but their prayer is not valid without ghusl. They must make up the prayers for which they did not perform ghusl, and they should estimate their number and make them up as a precaution. If they were ignorant that intercourse without ejaculation necessitates ghusl, we hope that they will not have to make up prayers, but they must repent and seek forgiveness for their negligence in inquiring.