What is the punishment for a Muslim woman who marries a Christian man?

 

How is a woman to be punished if she marries a Christian? How often is it carried out and in what countries is it most common?

Praise be to Allaah. 

It
is not permissible for a Muslim woman to marry a kaafir (non-Muslim),
whether he is Jewish, Christian or an idol-worshipper, because the man has
authority over his wife, and it is not permissible for a kaafir to have
authority over a Muslim woman. For Islam is the true religion and all
other religions are false. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

 “And
give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikoon till they
believe (in Allaah Alone)” [al-Baqarah 2:221]

 “And
never will Allaah grant to the disbelievers a way (to triumph) over the
believers” [al-Nisaa’ 4:141]

 And the
Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam
should prevail and should not be prevailed over.”

 If a
Muslim woman marries a kaafir when she knows the ruling, then she is a
zaaniyah (adulteress), and her punishment is the punishment for adultery.
If she was ignorant of the ruling then she is excused, but they must be
separated, and there is no need for a divorce because the marriage is null
and void. On this basis, the Muslim woman whom Allaah has honoured with
Islam and her guardian must beware of that and must adhere to the limits
set by Allaah, and they must feel proud of Islam. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):

“Those
who take disbelievers for Awliyaa’ (protectors or helpers or friends)
instead of believers, do they seek honour, power and glory with them?
Verily, then to Allaah belongs all honour, power and glory” [al-Nisaa’ 4:139]