Is it permissible to sell some gold to pay its zakat for past years in which it was not paid?

Whoever is obligated to pay zakat and delays its payment must immediately repent and make up for it by paying it for all the past years, even if the delay has been for many years. The amount and number of years are estimated based on the غالبة الظن (preponderance of probability) if there is doubt. Zakat is to be paid on gold that was sold before its zakat was paid, if its quantity is known; otherwise, it is based on the غالبة الظن. The nisab for gold is 85 grams, and the zakat amount is a quarter of a tenth (2.5%). It is permissible to pay zakat in cash by selling a portion of the gold or by paying it directly from the gold itself.