What are the consequences of kissing one's wife without intercourse during the temporary period of ẓihār?

Your enjoyment of your wife through kissing and the like, without sexual intercourse, does not necessitate the expiation for ẓihār. However, it is more cautious to refrain from enjoying her until the month has passed. Ibn Qudamah said: "Ẓihār can be temporary. If the time limit passes, the ẓihār ceases, and the woman becomes lawful without expiation. He is not considered to have reverted (to ẓihār) except by engaging in intercourse during that period." There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding the ruling on deriving pleasure from anything less than sexual intercourse; some forbid it, while others do not. You must repent to Allah Almighty for ẓihār, as it is an abominable and forbidden statement. Allah Almighty says: "And indeed, they utter a detestable statement and a lie. And indeed, Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving."