So the verse quoted above was abrogated by: We have seen thee turning thy face towards heaven, but we will have thee turn to a Qibla, which shall please thee.
"The Faith of Islam"
Edward Sell
The palms of the hands are placed towards the Qibla.
"The Faith of Islam"
Edward Sell
If he cannot turn towards the Qibla, he is, under the circumstances, allowed to face any direction most convenient.
"The Faith of Islam"
Edward Sell