Final answer:
The cultural practice of fattening in Azawagh society represents social norms related to beauty, wealth, and marital status. Though not detailed in the provided texts, similar historic practices by affluent women in Islamic societies were linked to social status and charity, which fostered community bonds and traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the fattening for Azawagh society, an ethnic group predominantly located in the Sahara Desert, reflects a complex tapestry of societal norms, particularly in the realm of beauty, health, and marital prosperity. Though not explicitly detailed in the provided references, fattening in some cultures, including the Azawagh, is a rite of passage for young women, indicating readiness for marriage and seen as a sign of wealth, status, and beauty. The practice may also intertwine with social and religious ceremonies, reinforcing communal bonds and continuity of traditions.
In the context of rulers and affluent individuals in historical Islamic societies, as seen from the examples, women in positions of power often exerted their influence through philanthropy and religiously inspired charity, funding public works that enhanced their stature and societal importance. They established vaqfs, which served similar community-strengthening roles by distributing wealth and providing services to the less fortunate.
Although the specific practice of 'fattening' isn't directly mentioned in the excerpts from historical sources, the overall wellbeing of society and the role of different classes and groups within it are recurring themes. The upkeep of social order, whether through maintaining the status quo in gold-producing areas or the diversification of military forces to prevent civil strife, underscores the significance of societal structures and cultural practices in these historical narratives.