(1) With what [wicks] may one light [Shabbat lamps], and with what [wicks] may one not light? One may not light with moss [that grows in] cedars, nor with uncombed flax, nor with raw silk, nor with willow bast, nor with desert fiber, nor with weeds [growing] on water. Nor [may one light] with pitch, nor with wax, nor with castor oil, nor oil set for burning [consecrated oil that has become impure], nor with [the fat from] sheeps' tails, nor with forbidden fat. Nachum HaMadi says: One may light with boiled forbidden fat; but the Sages say: One may not light with forbidden fat whether it's boiled or not boiled.

Rav Nachman Bar Rava said in the name of Rav: Shabbat candles is an obligation. Washing hands and feet in hot water in the afternoon is optional, although some say it is a mitzvah.

We say a blessing (when lighting Shabbat Candles): For lighting (Shabbat) candles is a requirement in order that will will have peace in our homes, so that one won't stumble on wood or stone...

Shabbat Candles are an obligation because of Shalom Bayit (i.e. peace in the house), so that a person should not trip over a stick or a rock. The candles need to be long in order that they last the night, because without this, it is a blessing said in vain

(2) Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav: Anyone who enjoys the Sabbath will be rewarded with all his (her) heart's desires.

Even if you don't have what to eat for Shabbat, one must still buy wicks and oil and light Shabbat candles.

Both men and women are obligated to have a lit candle in their house on Shabbat.

[Both men and women are commanded to light,] but women are more commanded than men, as it says in the Midrash: Since she extinguished the lamp of the world, meaning she caused the death of the first human. And the Rambam explains [that women are more obligated] because they are found at home and they take care of household needs.

(1) The kindling of a lamp on Shabbat is not optional that if one wants, one kindles and if one does not want, one does not kindle. And it is not a commandment that we are not obligated to pursue until one has done it, for example an eruv for courtyards or lifting (i.e. washing) the hands before eating; rather, it is an obligation. And both men and women are equally obligated that a lamp be kindled in their houses on Shabbat. Even if one does not have anything he will [be able to] eat, he begs at the doors [of neighbors] and takes oil and kindles the lamp since this is [included] in the rule of enjoyment on Shabbat. And one is obligated to bless before the kindling: "Blessed are You LORD our God, King of the universe who makes us holy with His commandments and commands us to kindle a Shabbat lamp" in the way that one blesses over all things which one is obligated [to do] by the words of the Sages.

(3) The one who kindles need to kindle while it is still day, before the sunset. And women are commanded regarding this matter more than men since they are found in the house, and they busy themselves with the labor of the house. And even so, a man needs to take care and check them on this and say to the members of the household on the eve of Shabbat before it gets dark, "Kindle the lamp!" If it is doubtful [whether] darkness has fallen and [whether] Shabbat has entered or [whether it has] not, one does not kindle.

Rama: Some say to make the Bracha before lighting. Some say to make it after lighting, and in order to accomplish "oveir le'asiyatan" (before the action), do not get pleasure from the candles until after the Bracha. [You can do this by] putting your hand over the candle after you light it, and then you make the Bracha, and then you take away your hand.

Be meticulous to make sure to beautify the lighting of the Shabbat light. There are those who light two candles, in relation to the two ways we are commanded to honor shabbat, remember Shabbat (Exodus 20:8), and to keep Shabbat (Deuteronomy 5:12)

Moses Isserles: There are also those who light three or even four lights, which is their custom. You can always add to the light with more lights for additional family members, or for whatever reason, but you can never subtract.

(6) Women die in childbirth for three transgressions: If they are not careful with [the laws] of menstruation; and if they are not careful [to separate some] dough [when baking to give to the priest]; and if they are not careful with the lighting of the [Shabbat] lamp.

One who cannot afford to buy both Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles should buy Shabbat candles, to promote peace in the home. If the person has Shabbat candles but cannot afford to buy both Chanukah candles and wine for Kiddush and Havdalah, they should buy Chanukah candles, to publicize the miracle [of Chanukah]. (R Joseph Karo, d. 1575)

(1)The lighting of candles is not optional...it is not something which you are not required to "chase" after"...even if you don't have anything to eat, you must ask your neighbors if they have oil so that you can light the candles for the enjoyment of Shabbat.

I have called you the first, and have cautioned you concerning matters of "the first" (Challah tithe). The soul I have placed within you is called a candle, hence I have cautioned you concerning matters of candles ( lighting Shabbat candles). If you follow these, then great! If not, I will take back your souls!

If someone is lighting together with his wife, then he doesn't not need to light himself in his room, rather his wife can make the Bracha for him

For the first Shabbos after a woman gives birth, the man should light and make the Bracha

Rama: Some say to make the Bracha before lighting. Some say to make it after lighting, and in order to observe to not derive the benefit of the mitzvah until after the Bracha. [You can do this by] putting your hand over the candle after you light it, and then you make the Bracha, and then you take away your hand.