It is not permissible for a Muslim female to marry a non-Muslim male.
However, a Muslim male may marry only a Christian or Jewish female. It is
not permissible for a Muslim male to marry any other non-Muslim female.
It is obvious that there are many things a male can do, which is not easily
possible for a female and vice versa. Islam has taken into consideration the
masculine and feminine strength and weaknesses respectively. There is a
possibility of the non-Muslim male due to his masculine powers convincing
his Muslim wife into abandoning Islam. Therefore, Islam has considered her
feminine nature and protected her correct beliefs by prohibiting her
marrying a non-Muslim.
The Muslim husband is not obliged to pressurise his Christian/Jewish wife to
accept Islam. He may apply wisdom and diplomacy and only influence her to
Islam.
In Islam, a female is equally respected as a male, however, due to the
different masculine and feminine natures, Islam believes in separation of
roles.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai