Belief in succubi, treacherous female demons that deprive men of peace and vitality, is widespread across cultures, and Iraq is no exception. In Iraqi tradition, this figure is called qarīna — a name that, in many languages, resembles the female given name Karen.

The qarīna is described as a female demon who attaches herself to a man, diverts his affection from his wife or bride, and may even bear children by him. An unmarried man is often thought to have a qarīna as his wife. Erotic dreams are explained as intercourse with this demoness. She is believed to be extremely jealous and capable of harming any woman toward whom her human lover might feel affection. Qarīna also steals or kills babies.

Scholars have suggested that she is probably the direct descendant of the Babylonian ardat lilî (Lilith), as pointed out by M. Campbell-Thompson (1734: p. xvii).