Is it permissible to pay the zakat on dates (from the harvest) with the value of heads of sheep, especially since the questioner is in debt and awaiting the payment for the harvest?

It is not permissible to give dates as zakat from sheep, according to many scholars, because the basic principle is to give it from its own kind, just as it is not permissible to deviate in zakat to something other than the obligated kind, according to the Shafi'is. As for giving money zakat from other money of the same kind, it is permissible without dispute. Since the dates have been sold, other dates must be given in the amount of the obligated zakat. Some scholars permit paying the value of the dates if that is more beneficial for the poor. As for debt, it does not prevent the obligation of zakat on crops, because debt does not prevent zakat on apparent wealth.